2007-02-24 19:35:04 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I just read a book that touched on Manic-depressive and Bipolar disorder. The meds are used to control the mood swings, but by themselves do nothing to cure the disease (only the symptoms). Intensive counseling is needed because the patient must learn to moderate his or her own feeling, not looking for the grandiose highs and not getting depressed when the highs cause them failures in ordinary life. So, one must do both, comply with medication and get professional help. If I understood correctly from a book I am reading, the main reason why those with bipolar disorder look to not take the meds is because it shatters their illusions about needing to be great (usually a response to past hurts) or needing to feel extreme emotions.
2007-02-24 20:00:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have bi-polar disorder, severe enough that I have been put on disabilty. Yet I have a two year old daughter to take care of, and the meds always made me zombie like. So I have been off of my meds for about two years, although I don't think I would be doing as well as I am if not for a very strong family support system and intensive group and individual counseling. So yes you can live without meds but it takes alot of work, I.E. controling your extreme emotions.
2007-02-25 03:43:53 · answer #2 · answered by Carl S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was diagnosed as bipolar when I was 17 and the doc put me on lithium and prozac. I took them for about 6 months and the thing that really bothered me is the complete lack of feeling. You go from crazy mood swings to feeling numb. The world could blow up and it wouldnt faze you. I didnt like the way I felt but kept taking the medicine until my then boyfriend was sick of seeing me act like a zomby and flushed it down the toilet. I was furious but in a few days I realized I felt better and havent taken them since. Actually I did take prozac again for a short time but stopped for the same reason. I think that people with this "disorder" really have something going on in their lives that is causing them to feel down. When the problem is fixed, you feel better. Sometimes when it seems that my problems are too big for me to handle, I let God handle it and I soon see a clear way out. It may be something I have been fretting over for years. Try it...what can it hurt? I hope this helps...God bless :)
2007-02-25 03:47:53 · answer #3 · answered by Cindy 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends. I am not going to tell you not to because it depends on the person and for some people not taking meds is serious and could be fatal. Many bi polar people choose not to because it interferes with the manic and creative phase that one enters. However, the depresive phase can come on quickly and be too much to handle. So physically yes you can, but mentally depends on the bi polar person.
2007-02-25 03:42:40 · answer #4 · answered by Kelsey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They can live as in be alive, yes, all you need is clothes, shelter and food lol. But their life will be difficult, and others around them will not want to be around them, and it will be difficult for them to be around that person.
so it would be better if the person were on medication so everyone else's life plus their own can be easier.
2007-02-25 03:39:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
life would be extremely difficult, without medication. I think meds are the way to go, if you want a functional life.
2007-02-25 03:39:30 · answer #6 · answered by argamedius 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Physically function, yes- but it's a living hell. Just take carbatrol
2007-02-25 03:42:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
not unless you want to be depressed one second and then be super hyper. Don't be a light-switch just take the pills
2007-02-25 03:39:12 · answer #8 · answered by Mimzy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋