how to deal with being bi-polar without taking allot of medication?

Answer 1

Unfortunately bipolar is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain and medication is necessary.
Finding a psychiatrist who actually listens to you is very important. Most psychiatrists will put you on medicine and not care how it affects you. A good psychiatrist will work with you to find the medication that is best for you, with the least amount of side effects.
I was unable to hold down a job until I got on the proper medication.

Answer 2

I have heard that training to focus will help tremendously - but its not easy for even so called normal people - so I would imagine more effort would be involved for the bipolar person.

I wanted to say "meditation" but really its only a form of meditation that does not use any eastern philosophy and all that stuff. But train one's attention on say.., a dot on the wall, or a candle flame.., and not lose sight of the dot, not to think of anything other than that dot or flame. It can even be just a mental imagery of a dot or candle flame (better because you can do this exercises anywhere).

The theory is -if you can master your focus, you can master your emotions.

Bipolar people's attention spans are short. It will be short to start with, so don't be discouraged when it starts out that way. Get an egg-timer or something you can set to ring or buzz from 1 to 10 minutes or so.

To start - go for 1 minute. Even if you feel its too easy - stay with the program for a week focusing on the dot or flame. Once thats done, you move the timer a little longer - to an easily attainable goal.., say maybe one extra minute, and no more. Do this for a week - and if you have trouble focusing - stretch out that same timer setting until you master it - THEN - move up an extra minute and so on.

Thats the theory. You don't need to get metaphysical here, just focus. This also should have trained you to focus in reading and retain more of what you read. Beneficial in itself if nothing else.

When you feel your emotions going south - think North! In other words.., if you feel violent or overwhelmed with grief for no reason, refocus! Focus on something that has no anger, no rage, no grief. It could be Ice.., it could be something that means "peace" or some imagery that brings a peaceful feeling. A butterfly, A floating feather, a cloud in the sky.., use your imagination.

Answer 3

Bi-polar previously known as manic-depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The medications are to balance the chemical levels to prevent the severe mood swings. Combined with other therapy and support groups, the medication allows a person who is bi-polar to maintain a more stable life.

Answer 4

My son is bi polar and he cannot function without the medication...he is also extremely irrational and dangerously violent without it.

It would be great if something could be done that didn't involve the meds, but its not like its a matter of control. Its a physical condition.

Answer 5

There are many different ways, here are a few of the many!

~ Try God
~ Online support like Yahoo! Groups adn Psychcentral and Healthyplace
~ Psychotherapy
~ Grouptherapy
~ Some medications, talk with your Psychiatrist
~ Natrual Remedies
~ Some people like special diets and exercise
~ Realxation techniques and Yoga, things to help main symtopms.

Answer 6

Bipolar is a chemical imbalance that needs to be treated with medication. Fortunately this illness can be treated simply (depending on the severity of the illness) with just one medication so that one pill is a "cure-all".

Answer 7

That is something that you should deal with a professional with
No one can diagnose on answers? only suggest Some need
meds to function We are talking about a mental illness
Not to be ignored Get help Good Luck

Answer 8

anybody is bi-polar one way or yet another. all of us have temper swings. call it bi-polar in case you decide on yet I see it as yet another conspiracy from pharmaceutical businesses to earn extra money by advertising extra drugs to depressed human beings. If a man or woman exhibits to many temper swings or "exchange in personalities" the superb factor is to stay away. they could be risky to themselves and others. Edit: playstation One man or woman in the back of many Avatars on Y/A could be a demonstration of unstability besides. pay attention.

Answer 9

You may not necessarily need "a lot". My son takes only one - seroquel. He had tried zyprexa and depakote, but this works best for him. Best wishes!

Answer 10

talk to your psychologist. many cognitive therapies are being used nowdays and it means you won't need medication.
all the best