My problem with Bi-polar depression, panic disorder, and meds?

Question

I feel that the chemicals could cause more damage to my body in the long run. Also doesn't this cause your body to need these pills all the time. Maybe you would even have to be dependant upon them forever. What about trying some lifestyle changes? Doesn't this sometimes help your mood swings? What about trying to find out if something else caused your Bi-polar such as long term depression which is probably one of my problems.

Answer 1

There is no shame in having a diagnosis of bi-polar first off....some people just have a bit of a chemical imbalance that negatively impacts their life and they need meds to even themselves out.

Just see your Dr. Regularly and report any highs/lows and don't let him/her roll you along on the same dosage for too long.

Answer 2

We were just talking about this, my girlfriend has Bi-Polar and her doctor has her on all kinds of meds, and they are starting to take their toll. They keep on changing the meds and dosage, it is surely a hit and miss thing. She is now off work...again...and thinking she may not be able to go back.
Just please remember to get your blood work done on a regular basis, and yes, I believe that changing the lifestyle does help...tremendously, not very many people are able to do this, and I believe that Meditation is a great way to help the mood swings.
Good luck to you. Stay Healthy...in mind and body.

Answer 3

If you have bi-polar, then sadly the answer does seem to be to take meds. If you actaully have cyclothymia, you could probably get by without, but if you think of the damage the highs cause, then you might be more inclined to take mood stabilisers.

Answer 4

The Miracle of Magnesium by Dr Carolyn Dean discusses the sad American diet and magnesium deficiencies and how they contribute to and aggravate such conditions as you describe.
It might profit you to take a look at Dr Dean's excellent book for her good advice and discussion.
Good luck!
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (Pizzorno & Murray) is another excellent resource for info and remedies.

Answer 5

Have you ever tried increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids? I've been reading alot of studies and articles and it seems that a deficiency in these oils may be increasing the risk of bipolar disorder, major depression and other mood disorders. The best sources are fatty fish like salmon and tuna (or fish oil capsules), walnuts and flaxseeds and flaxseed oil. It can't hurt and it's worth a try. Lots of studies have shown increasing omega 3's decreases risk of heart disease, cancer and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.

Answer 6

Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.

Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?

Answer 7

modern theory is that the mood disorders are chemical imbalances, mostly genetic in origin. You can try to muddle along off meds if you have the insight to detect your symptoms and resist the bright ideas they propose, lot easier with the meds though.

Answer 8

bi-polar depression is caused by a chemical unbalance, however it is stimulated by outside events. i think you should take a look at your life, look for these events and judge the whole situation. if that doesn't work, then take pills. they should be your last resort.

Answer 9

Its normal. Keep taking the prescribed madicine.

Answer 10

I found some good info here.