alternative treatment for bipolar disorder?

Question

are there any alternative solutions/treatments for bipolar disorder that don't involve taking anti depressants and mood stabalizers?

don't worry.. i wouldn't stop taking my meds without a dr's supervision... for the person who commented on that.. i went to school for psychology for a while, so i know the ropes a bit.. i do exercise, i do eat right.. i don't see a therapist.. my M.D prescribes my meds because my insurance doesn't cover psychiatrists....

Answer 1

Ya, stop thinking so much.

Answer 2

I'm bipolar also and I've tried every alternative treatment you can possible think of. And I had to go back to my medications because it just got worst. I learned my lesson the hard by thinking that the alternative treatments would work. I've done my own so call research asking people who has bipolar about alternative treatment and I spoke to 75 people they all said that it was the biggest mistake that they had ever made. Because the bipolar just got much worst and they had to go back to their medications. Without medications it's only going to get worst then it is now. And I mean much worst and your going to suffer big time.

Answer 3

You can go to sessions with a therapist with out taking medication. Try meditation and Yoga. There are lots of Cd's and DVDs and books on Bipolar at the book store. Go to self help section and check it out. I went to a book store and have spent more than an hour searching for all kinds of information on such things. Eat properly and go for a half hour walk daily, even if not in the mood. It will make you feel better even for a little while until you learn to deal with this disorder

Answer 4

My husband is bipolar and sees a neuropsychiatrist. He takes a fishoil and B12 supplement from Mend Solutions. I think their website is mend.net. He also takes lithium and lamictal (not sure about the spelling). Bipolar can get worse as you get older or if you take meds and then stop and then take them again and then stop, and so on. If you get meds that work, stick with them. I know bipolar can cause "highs" that people love, but the "lows" hurt your loved ones. Love them enough to take your disorder seriously, please.

Answer 5

My partner takes St Johns Wort. They help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, but for him the biggest benefit is that while on them he is what he calls "more aware". He is more able to see things for what they are, he is more aware of what mood he is in and this helps in the way he reacts to various situations. Give it a try, its not expensive. However if makes you more sun sensitive so use sunscreen and sunglasses if you can.
Good luck, and you're not alone.
Ps he also finds that meditation helps.

Answer 6

I heard that exercise helps.