is it bad NOT to have treatment for bipolar disorder?

Question

i have bipolar disorder. what will happen if i don't get meds or psychiatric help? will i go insane? what's hte worst thing that can happen to me?

Answer 1

It really depends. There are a different types of Bipolar Disorder. With Bipolar 1, treatment is essential as it leads to full-blown mania, in which you lose touch with reality, and are likely to do dangerous things.

Bipolar 2 leads to hypomania, or an extreme feeling of well-being. In this state, you are likely to be more sexually active, spend more than you really want to, and similar things.

The depression side of Bipolar isn't required to diagnose this disease, and not everyone with Bipolar experiences severe depression.

The interesting thing about Bipolar, and those that suffer from depression with it, is that the suicides often don't coincide with the periods of depression, but rather when the person is between depression and mania. I'm told that this is because this is the time when the person actually has enough energy to act on their feelings.

In any case, I would certainly recommend seeking treatment for the disorder as the quality of life is much improved. True, you'll miss those enticing times of hypomania, when you can get anything at all done, and when you feel almost super-human, but reality is a much better way to live.

Answer 2

You definitely need some sort of treatment, that I'm sure. I'm bipolar and have been on meds for years but they just weren't helping. I 've stopped taking them and am doing okay. I am confident that I can deal with my disorder without the use of medication. But I would not be able to do this without cognitive behavioral therapy. My therapist is amazing and has helped me turn my life around. Therapy gets a bad rap a lot but once you find the right therapist, therapy is wonderful. Of course if you're not focused on getting better than you won't get better. It's a lot of hard work on your part.

As for the worst thing that could happen, some might say suicide but I think worse than that would be that you live a very unhappy and miserable life. You can do something about it. Life can be made enjoyable but it takes so much hard work. I've been struggling for years and I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Please do something to help yourself. It is worth it in the end. Good luck.

Answer 3

Yes, you need to see a doctor! If you are bipolar you could be fine without medication. However, you could also suffer severe problems depending on the severity. The worst I have seen bipolar disorder is a very happy go lucky person who every month would get very depressed. This depression would last 5(average) days to were they could not physically get out of bed and often spoke of suicide because they were so unhappy.

Either way, the best choice is to see a medical professional to ensure that if you are the latter example, you're ok.

Answer 4

What's the worst that can happen? Well, first off, the illness will worsen over time. I have suffered for 25 years, but was only diagnosed in my early 40s when I eventually became psychotic and had a complete meltdown. In the process of coming to terms with bipolar, I realise that it has cost me almost every relationship I had, and most of my jobs.

Secondly, you need to be aware of the statistics: 20-25% of unmedicated bipolar sufferers will attempt suicide at some point. 15% will succeed.

I am now successfully on medicatiopn and leading a normal life. It's your call.

Answer 5

Most people with Bi polar disorder don't get or remain on treatment... They enjoy their highs and usually resort to help during the lows that almost always follow immediately after.

You could become suicidal in a worst case scenario or you could just go off the deep end of an over exerted bout with happiness and buy the world a coke and try and teach them to sing or something...

It is very different for everyone that has it and that's why it is so hard to treat and diagnose.

Answer 6

I don't think a true Bipolar person can function without meds. The disease is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The meds work by fixing the imbalance of chemicals, which can't be obtained from other sources.

Answer 7

In my case I self medicated with drugs, alcohol and sex. It was a totally destructive path and if it wasn't for the support and love of my family I'd be dead or in prison right now. I strongly suggest you get help as soon as possible. Some of the most important things for me are to have consistent sleep habits, limited sugar and caffeine intake, it makes a world of difference. Good luck to you.

Answer 8

It's all up to you. No one can force you to get on medication, but it might be good for you to at least talk to someone. Medications are an option. There are so many that you can try until you find one that is right for you. You won't go "crazy" if you are honest with your therapist or psychiatrist about your feelings and side effects of your medication. Its hard to get started. Do it when you are ready.

Answer 9

Yes, you could end up on a mental floor getting treatment. The disease is characterized by extremes in moods. You could start to self-medicate (using illegal drugs), hit a really deep depression & try to commit sucide. It is neither bad nor good to seek treatment. It is just a chioce you have to make .

Answer 10

hmmmm.. likely use of substance use and abuse ... .. school and work failure... relationship problems... violent thinking..icreased risk of violence and homicide.. likely to harm yourself and others that love you... and the lifetime risk of suicide is 10-15% .. and of course, depression.