2006-10-11 07:56:22 · 18 answers · asked by barbaradjt 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I am not bipolar, my brother is, and I just want to understand as much about this illness as possible.
2006-10-11 18:07:13 · update #1
I have never heard of it being done successfully.
2006-10-11 07:58:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been Bipolar for atleast 10 years. I never once stayed on medication and I Socialize with all kinds of people just fine. Bipolar is a hard disease to even diagnose especially from someone who does't really know how you think or how your mind works like a doctor. In my case, I was diagnosed with it at the age of 13. We both know that's just part of the puberty cycle. My best answer for you would be make sure you are Bipolar before taking any kind of action.
2006-10-11 08:04:29 · answer #2 · answered by Redneck Woman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tried to from 2002-2003. The result was I became short-tempered and suffered needles moods that I couldn't snap out of. I thank God I didn't go full manic because they say every time you do it is worse than the first. Taking lithium or other drugs to stabilize your mood is your only option in the modern world. If you don't have health insurance, a pdoc visit can be $75 and lithium is a very cheap drug. If you truly are bipolar, get on meds and stay on meds. Good luck.
2006-10-11 09:34:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not if they have an extreme case. But make sure the person has Bipolar before you give them meds. We thought my brother was Bipolar, so we got him perscriptions, he just got fat and didn't get any less weird. So that wasn't it. we later found out he had depression. But i knew a FOR REAL Bipolar guy and he definetly needed meds, he not only was hard to be friends with, but he just wasnt emmotionally healthy
2006-10-11 08:00:00 · answer #4 · answered by savanna m 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people claim to be able, but I am sure they are in the minority. Finding the right medication and the right dosage can take years with lots of trial and error. Learning to live with some of the side effects is horrendous. However, you just need to take a look at your behaviour when not medicated to see how devastating your illness can be. I have tried many times to go with my meds, but I usually relapse within 2 weeks and end up hospitalised. Self help groups for bipolar can be really helpful (and lame). The weight issues can be a major factor in deciding to stop meds, you just need to make changes to your exercise regime to accommodate it.
2016-03-18 07:53:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've seen a lot of people try, but most of the time it's very unsuccessful. Mental illness is a disease, just like diabetes. It needs to be treated. The problem is, everyone's body is made up different so what works for one may not work for another. And in the case of bipolar patients, the get frustrated with trying medications over and over again that often don't help so they want to stop all medications.
2006-10-11 08:05:59 · answer #6 · answered by It's Been Cool 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
absolutely not..
Bi polar is not a mild illness . It has Psychotic features, deep depressions, episodes of mania , uncontrollable running thoughts and usually comes with severe insomnia and oversleeping.
Bi polar does not go away
Do not think taking saint Johns wart or a herbal teas will be a replacement for such a serious illness. Some things will help used along with your prescribed medicine ask your DR if any homeopathic treatments are compatible with your current treatment.
I have lived with Bi polar since I was a child I have been through all the fazes denial, homeopathic treatments, stopping the meds when I felt I was doing well.
In the end denying you need meds is like a diabetic denying his insulin.
2006-10-11 08:06:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My sister is bipolar. Every time she went off her meds., her episodes got more intense. I know that does not answer your question. I really don't know. I just wanted to put my 2 cents in. If there was a way, I am sure it would be hard work for everyone involved. good luck!
2006-10-11 08:27:24 · answer #8 · answered by Wonderer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not well at all.
Too many bi-polars in the family. Meds are the best w/ therapy.
Generally, the reason people think they can do well off the meds is because the meds are working.
When they stop, in a few weeks they are in trouble again.
It's great just to be able to have the medication and to take it.
good luck
2006-10-11 08:40:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really, no. If it's mild enough to be manageable without meds, it isn't bipolar, it's cyclothymia. And even that can degenerate into bipolar.
2006-10-11 08:16:24 · answer #10 · answered by Random Bloke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All depends on the severity and frequency of the extreme mood changes. I think in some cases it is possible if the symptoms aren't too severe that a person could get along ok without meds. But more than likely you need the meds.
2006-10-11 08:19:04 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋