I'm bipolar and in a depression but can't afford my meds. Know any natural remedies to help?

Question

thanks...but st. johns wart can actually increase depression in bipolars. :(

I've already checked into several programs...I've exhausted all my options to get my meds. It isn't happening.

Answer 1

I too suffer from bi-polar and I am sorry that you can not get the medicine you need.It is bad enough that we have to suffer with this along with the fact of having to worry about getting the medicine's we need.Vitamins you can take that may help are folic acid..B-12..but check with your doctor on the B-12 dosage because I heard to much can trigger a manic episode..Omega 3 found in fish oil and flaxseed oil can help..I think they have an omega 3 vitamin..If not I know they have a fish oil vitamin..I Hope you can ask your doctor and maybe he can give you some samples of the medication you need..Tell him you just can't afford it.Here is a site they mat give you more help..www.bipolarworld.com..I hope this helps you some..I feel you and I will be praying for you..You hang in there..We are fighters of a very bad disease but we have to keep on keeping on..God Bless You.

Answer 2

i have no answer for your question . i'm sorry.
i just want to voice my displeasure with the way the medical profession is, these days.
i read ,on here, about so many ppl that don't have decent health care and really suffer because of it.
i don't know what i'd do if i couldn't take my meds on a regular basis. prolly go out and punch my mailman, and i don't even have anything against him.

can you apply for a 'husky program'(that's a ct one..but you get my drift) or some other state funded option? back when i was on the husky program, it completely covered prescriptions.

try the (State or City)welfare office. you can get accepted on medical , without being on the whole shebang. you DESERVE good medical attention, including being able to keep up on taking your meds. WE ALL DO. i think it really sux that you're even having this issue.
i hope you'll look into assistance, if you haven't already.
Good Luck to You.
~Laurie

ps.. smoke a doobie? ; )

Answer 3

U need to check out your local agencies for help with your meds. Any free clinics etc. call your human services because there is not a natural remedies that do not cost money as well and they do not work as well as your prescribed meds do. I have a sister with bipolar and I have told her the same thing. If your meds are working for you then you need to make them a Priority a must. Look around for financial help, sometimes even churches will help you out but leave no stone unturned.

Answer 4

That is really tough. If you are bi-polar, then you really need your meds if at all possible! But I know from my own experience with my bi-polar wife that it is very hard. We find that it is expensive and costs us a couple hundred dollars a month WITH health insurance! Do the best you can to get the meds when you can, but in the meantime, I suggest exercise. Exercise releases endorphins and other chemicals in your brain that help stablize your moods. Try to get at least a half hour of exercise a day, at least five days a week, and make it good exercise! You need to get your heart pumping! Jog, run, do jumping jacks, play tennis, try aerobics... whatever you can do. It won't cure you, but it will be a big help. Try to get into the doctor for some other suggestions as well. Good luck, and hang in there!

Answer 5

Depression is a mental state in which you feel emotions that range from chronic sadness to despair. It often makes you unable to feel joy. Physical imbalances in the brain chemistry is most often the cause so you may need professional advice to help you deal with it.

In a 2006 study, British researchers wrote that aromatherapy is used worldwide for the management of depression, anxiety, insomnia and some related disorders. The authors stated that aromatherapy "appears to be without the adverse effects of many conventional pschotropic drugs."

The citrus scents of orange, bergamot, Ylang Ylang, lemon, and melissa act as antidepressants. So does the fragrance of chamomile, lavender, and rose. Choose any aromatherapy method that works for you, such as inhalation, rubbing on the skin or ingestion.

For a permanent solution, seek a complete holistic approach, including relaxation techniques, counseling, a wholesome diet, and exercise are all good ideas. Herbal antidepressants, such as St. John's wort help ease some kinds of depression.

Hope this helps. Best wishes. .

Answer 6

CARDIO EXERCISE

My depressive nature (family of manic depressives) is helped greatly by regular cardio (in addition to prescription meds). I do 45 minutes of cardio followed by 15 minutes of floor/abdominal work at least three times a week and try to be active and walk on the days I'm not at the gym. If I miss my gym days I notice I'm much crankier. If I can work in a yoga class at least once a week as well, my mental state is improved. Might sound hokey, but there's an endorphin release after cardio and yoga that promotes your sense of well being. You feel stronger in both body and mind.

You might also want to try meditation. It's relaxing, centering, rejuvenating and makes you more calm especially if you use a positive, uplifting mantra.

Keep looking for ways to get your meds as well. If you're low income you might want to check out the prescription assistance program. If you meet their criteria you can get your meds for $10/month. Here's a link:

http://www.freemedicinefoundation.com/application_form.html?gclid=CIywysz_s40CFQQ3OAodnBAH1Q

I really wish you the best of luck!!

Answer 7

If you can't work because of your condition, then seek info on going on Social Security Disability. That way, you will qualify for both Medicare & Medicaid & you'll be enrolled in a prescription plan that best suits your situation. If you do work, ask your doctor where you can get your meds for free (clinic?) or at a discount. I know of no natural remedy to treat bipolar/depression.

Answer 8

Hi, I am sorry to hear you can't afford your medications. I am sure you are aware bipolar is a serious disorder and treatment is needed. I would try contacting your local county to see if you qualify for medical services to see if you can get your medical care and medications funded. If you do not qualify for services you can look in your area for a herbologist and usually they can be found in a local health food store or the health food store may be able to help you locate one. Herbs can be just as costly as medication and you have to ensure you continue seeing your practicioner or psychiatrist because you should not stop taking current medications you will need to reduce your dosage prior to terminating all medication use or you can suffer serious side affects. Also your physician or psychiatrist may be able to provide a more affordable medication if they are aware you can't afford the current medications. Communication with your current physician or psychiatrist is important they are there to help you and they might be able to recommend financial resources for helping pay for your medication and treatment as well and this is what I recommend first.

Answer 9

Hi --

there are resources for medications (free).

you can check with your doctor or clinic about samples or grants for free medications. there are sometimes programs/ grants for people who can't afford their meds...

you can also check with the pharmaceutical companies who manufacture your medications. some provide low cost medications ($5) for people who qualify. go to their websites and check to see if this is offered.

there are also mental health clinics who help people with low incomes... again through the use of grants. if your doctor doesn't participate in these programs (ask his business office), you might consider doing your homework and calling around to find out what clinics or doctors DO participate (such as the county mental health clinic?).

my doctor told me that a dose of 6,000 mg of Omega 3's a day helps with depression after taken for a while.... i asked before. i'm bipolar.

i'm also 50, and my symptoms seem to have quelled, except for the depression. very rarely manic, and only mild bouts these days.

hugs

mental health forum listed below -- nice, caring group, all ages... supportive.... if you're interested.

Answer 10

There are no good "natural" meds for bipolar disorder and some of these things may be more expensive than generic medications. Some drug companies can supply you with medications. Ask your doctor's office for help or your local health agencies for persons with financial problems.