Anyone else BP II and not taking Meds?

Question

I was diagnosed 10 yrs ago with BP II and not taking meds on a regular basis because I actually enjoy getting into my mania stage. I am a writter and artist and when I am in my mania stages is when my best works of art come to the surface. I realized that I love getting the mania stage after my last hospitalization for the depression stage of it. I just want to know there are others out there who are doing the same. It is risky and I would not ever tell someone to stop taking there meds. When I hit my depression it is a huge drop and I hit my rock bottom. When I was taking my meds I couldn't write or do art like I used to the creativity factor was lacking. Now, one thing I don't like is the mood swings I still get almost daily when I am irratible at work and my co-workers realize it and I don't. They just look at me like I am an alien. I am in a mania now and have 1000 thoughts per second. Any coping skills anyone could also share with me?

Answer 1

i would think that you should at least be on a mild anti-depressant to help with those periods, even if you don't want to take a mood stabilizer like depakote or lithium. you also might want to try to work with an art therapist who can help you to tap into your creative side when you're feeling low. good luck.

Answer 2

Interestingly enough now that I am on the "right" medication my libido and creativity are fine but it took some switching and sampling to find out which one worked best. I have BP for 35 years medicated for the past 10, I have tried just about everything natural and not to alleviate the symptoms. I am extremely good at hiding it from the world and whilst my mind can be a mind field of terror I am managing well now that my meds have been adjusted. I wouldn't wish this illness on my worst enemy and I am every hopeful that research will come up with a more permanent solution but the one thing I do know is going off you meds is like Russian roulette and whilst it can be a thrilling ride it can also be lethal.

Answer 3

Wow, you are very brave. I have been bipolar 2 for 15 years but didn't start on any medication until 4 years ago. I would never go back. I have been able to lead a more "normal" life and have been able to actually be happy more often. Yes, the highs were nice at times, but I wouldn't give up my medication just to experience them as I know the lows are horribly low without it. I totally understand being irritable. I can get very irritable and angry for no reason, even with the medication. I try to talk myself through it. I remind myself that how I am feeling is because of my imbalance and that I won't stay that way. I make myself do something other than what I want to do (which is usually self-harm) such as go for a drive or a walk. When I am manic I walk like crazy, or run if needed. It is the only thing I have found that burns off that extra "energy" (as I call it).

Answer 4

I too am BP II and have been diagnosed for a little over a year now. I went through many ups and downs prior to being put on medications. It took a while for me to get the right mix of medications. Taking SSRI anti-depressants alone can send a BP II person into manic episodes. Most BP people do like the manic phases of life, however there are long term consequences. For example, if you remain unmedicated and go into a mode of depression you might end up hurting yourself or others. That would carry potential lifelong consequences. Medications used to treat BP II disorder can put you in control of your life without taking away your drive to do things, or your artistic ability. It is important for your illness to be controlled and although you may not noticed you are often hurting people around you through not taking action to cope with BP II. I am now on medications Zyprexa and Wellbutrin SR. They work great together and allow me to stay stable. I would suggest you see a healtcare professional to get on the appropriate medications

Answer 5

I am BP II with schizoeffective disorder: the longer you go without the medications the more serious the condition can get. Without meds now I get hallucinations - and the medications for that cause my thoughts to slow down so much that I cannot work anymore. I started life as genius plus (3rd grade IQ test) and dow I have trouble reading technical manuals - I used to memorize them on a skim read and now I have to read them 2 or 3 times and do the practice problems.
I enjoy being off of the medicine, but I do not do it, and I do not recommend it.

Answer 6

Trying combinations of medications and giving that a good try sounds like it is worth the effort. Maybe that will work for you.

For the depression, first you must recognize what stage you're in and when you're out of it. Then: exercise when you least feel like it. Feeling negative thoughts, wash up, pray, take a shower. Do things differently than you normally do when you are depressed.

May Allah, The Most Loving, grant you wisdom and peace.

Answer 7

That sounds really selfish to me. You are making everyone around you continue to deal with your illness, when you have the ability to treat it. That sounds terribly unfair to your coworkers and family.

Perhaps you just don't believe you're all that talented to begin with. If you did, you'd be able to train yourself to create ALL the time, not just when you're in the middle of a crazy patch.

You want coping skills? TAKE YOUR MEDICATION and stop being so self centered. It's just another symptom of your illness, and I doubt anyone finds it charming but you. And you only do because you're a little nutty.

Answer 8

I go on and off my meds but its because i forget to take them and when i remember you have to start on such a low dosage its like what the heck. but like u said people can tell when your off your meds which sucks. i too am way more creative when not on meds but would rather be uncreative and alive to be creative and dead when i crash. so i try and remember to take my meds everyday which is hard for me. hope you get back on meds that keep you creative theres gotta be something out there.

Answer 9

get the medication and take it. yes, they can hospitalize you and yes they can take your kids if they feel you have the potential to harm them. if you start your medication right now, you might be okay and that might stop you from going into the hospital. don't let another hour go by without your medication. good luck.

Answer 10

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