[unbreakablevamp]

I have been with my boyfriend for a little over 2 years and I drive him crazy. I have major problems with irritability and controlling it. We get into alot of arguments because of it and it makes me feel really bad. I want to get on medications to help control my problems but he doesn't agree with mental meds. He is scared that it won't mix with my pain medications and that in the future that it could cause problems with my sex drive. But how good does it do for me to even have a sex drive when we are fighting so much which isn't exactly a turn on for him. He is so good to me and my kids, but I dont know what to do. I want to treat my bipolar without meds but I dont know how.....Does anyone have any advice.....PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!

[StarTrekker]

Research your vitamin supplements. With the right mix of supplements such as St. John's Wort and the B-Vitamin Complex group, you could be on your way to managing your bipolar without heavy meds--AND your body will be healthier for it AND vitamins such as niacin(found in tuna and other fish) have been shown to actually maintain or even INCREASE a woman's sex drive. So, hop online and do your research. Once you have, check with your doctor if you want(but you dont really have to since your eat these vitamins everyday). For a 100% fix, use the supplements AND a women's group that discusses problems such as guilt resulting from controling behavior. If you dont already have a women's group in town for this, then start one up. Use your newspaper for advertising, and set a meeting place, like the public library. Having your own group of "girls" who feel the same that you do will be an awesome outlet for your irratability.

[Belle1979]

I think that you should talk with your GP.
I was taking St Johns Wort along with other suppliments.. but they only were having a limited effect as well as really messing with my contraception pill...
There is nothing wrong with getting medical help so even just going and seeing a therapist.

[Catherine2]

Jmo, unbreakablevamp
But you need to be careful when you are on pain meds...there are interactions that can occur even though most people think vitamins and supplements are not harmful.
It did take me awhile to find what works for me. My pharmacist and pcp worked with me so I had minimal effects.

Jmo again,
This is your body, your mind. You have to do what you feel is right for you. If that involves taking medications to help..take them.
You may not have any side effects with them. A good Pdoc would be willing to work with you...

[NuckingFutz]

I would definately check with your doctor before you do anything. How do you know you need meds to begin with? If you do require meds, you work with doc to make sure there will be no interactions with your pain meds and without the libido killing effect. Also, you may want to check with your doc or therapist about anger management classes. Oh, and since you posted this in the relationship section, let me just say, a man who does not want you to go on meds that can really lessen your symtoms and improve the quality of your life because he believes it would affect your libido does not have your best interests at heart no matter how kind you say he is...actions speek louder than words. Heck, if I were you, I'd be angry as he11 too. Please see your doctor before you do anything. Good luck and keep posting.

[jahrderglad]

I have problems with irritability, too...and I've not had too many good experiences with meds, so I prefer not to take them.

What's worked for me with respect to my irritability is meditation. There are many, many kinds, so do a bit of research and find one that you like. My personal favourite is vipassana meditation; it uses mindfulness techniques to help one recognize one's thoughts and feelings without judgment (and all the seminars that teach it are completely free!). Even something as simple as taking a few minutes at regular intervals to just BREATHE deeply and clear your mind can make a big difference. I feel much more centred and in control now that I do this; it helps with my anxiety, as well. I'm not big into the whole New-Age thing, but my psychiatrist recommended this to me when I told him I wanted to stop my medications and it has worked better than anything. Maybe it'll help you, too; it can't hurt to try!