Sunday, March 17, 2024

How To Fix Bipolar Disorder Without Meds

Don't Miss

Pregnancy And Bipolar Medicines

How to manage bipolar disorder – 6 Strategies

One of the main problems is that the risks of taking bipolar medicines during pregnancy are not well understood.

If you’re pregnant and you have bipolar disorder, a written plan for your treatment should be developed as soon as possible.

The plan should be drawn up with you, your partner, your obstetrician , midwife, GP and health visitor.

The following medicines are not routinely prescribed for pregnant women with bipolar disorder, as they may harm the baby:

If You Have Bipolar Disorder And Don’t Take Medication

If you have bipolar disorder and don’t take medication, you may be at risk of developing serious complications. Below are some of the potential risks associated with not taking medication for bipolar disorder:

  • You may experience more severe symptoms: If you don’t take medication for bipolar disorder, you may experience more severe symptoms. This can lead to a greater risk of hospitalization or suicide.
  • Your symptoms may be more difficult to manage: Without medication, your symptoms may be more difficult to manage. This can make it harder to live a normal, productive life. In addition, there is some evidence that untreated mood episodes can become harder to treat over time.
  • You may be at a higher risk for substance abuse: If you don’t take medication for bipolar disorder, you may be at a higher risk for substance abuse. This is to some degree because people with bipolar disorder often self-medicate with alcohol or drugs.
  • Your relationships may suffer: Bipolar disorder can put a significant strain on your relationships. If you don’t take medication for the condition, you may find it hard to maintain healthy relationships.

Make Notes Of Your Symptoms

It doesnt have to be anything copious or formal. Tracking your symptoms may help you and your mental health team develop successful treatments and management plans.

Keeping a journal or using an app as a mood log may allow you to see patterns over long periods of time.

You may start to notice specific stressors before mood shifts. You may realize that changes in habit or diet coincide with mood episodes. Once patterns become known, you can find more targeted ways to manage bipolar disorder.

If your symptoms feel impairing or you feel people at work are discriminating against you, consider applying for bipolar disorder disability benefits.

Also Check: What Is Another Name For Binge Eating Disorder

Exploring Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options

If your doctor determines that you have bipolar disorder, he or she will explain your treatment options and possibly prescribe medication for you to take. You may also be referred to another mental health professional, such as a psychologist, counselor, or a bipolar disorder specialist. Together, you will work with your healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan.

How To Fix Bipolar Disorder Without Meds

Top 5 Most Common Types Of Mental Disorders

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which the patients have moments of acute low mood, as well as intervals of joy and heightened energy, which can result in a skewed judgment and dangerous behavior. Bipolar symptoms are thought to affect one percent of the adult populace at a certain point in their lives.

Like all psychiatric disorders, the primary question in the mind of all bipolar disorder patients remains Is bipolar disorder curable? and if it is not completely curable then whether or not medications have any substantial role.

Medication is emphasized in the management of the bipolar disorder. However, more than 60 percent of individuals with the diagnosis eventually cease taking their medicine. This is usually because of the widespread, serious, and long-term complications that medications like olanzapine and lithium can bring. Dizziness, diarrhea, decreased movement, and significant weight gain is among the symptoms.

Also Check: How To Deal With Ptsd Panic Attacks

First Identify Your Stressors

Stressors can worsen episodes that were already queuing in the brain.

The symptoms of a mood episode may be difficult to spot. They can start slowly, building as time goes on. By identifying stressful events, places, or situations, you can take precautions against significant shifts in mood stability.

Holidays, for example, can be stressful for many people. You may not realize youre feeling symptoms of mania or depression until you suddenly feel inundated. Perhaps your ex-spouse is getting remarried, and you worry your kids will take to the new stepmom. Or youre up for your annual review at work and the uncertainty sparks a depressive episode.

Identifying stressors can also help you plan ahead. You can focus on things that help you relax. You can reach out to family and friends for additional support.

What To Expect During The Diagnostic Exam

A diagnostic exam for bipolar disorder generally consists of the following:

Psychological evaluation The doctor or bipolar disorder specialist will conduct a complete psychiatric history. You will answer questions about your symptoms, the history of the problem, any treatment you’ve previously received, and your family history of mood disorders.

Medical history and physical There are no lab tests for identifying bipolar disorder, but your doctor should conduct a medical history and physical exam in order to rule out illnesses or medications that might be causing your symptoms. Screening for thyroid disorders is particularly important, as thyroid problems can cause mood swings that mimic bipolar disorder.

In addition to taking your psychiatric and medical history, your doctor may also talk to family members and friends about your moods and behaviors. Often, those close to you are able to give a more accurate and objective picture of your symptoms.

Read Also: What Is It Like To Have A Panic Attack

Tip : Monitor Your Symptoms And Moods

In order to stay well, it’s important to be closely attuned to the way you feel. By the time obvious symptoms of mania or depression appear, it is often too late to intercept the mood swing, so keep a close watch for subtle changes in your mood, sleeping patterns, energy level, and thoughts. If you catch the problem early and act swiftly, you may be able to prevent a minor mood change from turning into a full-blown episode of mania or depression.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder Treatment

Living with bipolar disorder: Maarten opens up | DW Documentary

If you suspect that youre suffering from bipolar disorder, its important to seek help right away. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that runs an unpredictable course of ups and downs. When left untreated, these ups and downs can be devastating. The recurring manic and depressive episodes that characterize the disease make it difficult to lead a stable, productive life. In the manic phase, you may be hyperactive and irresponsible. In the depressive phase, it may be difficult to do anything at all. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you avoid these problems. An experienced mental health professional can make an accurate diagnosis and start you on the path to recovery.

Successful treatment of bipolar disorder depends on a combination of factors. Medication alone is not enough. In order to get the most out of treatment, it’s important to educate yourself about the illness, communicate with your doctors and therapists, have a strong support system, and help yourself by making healthy lifestyle choices that may reduce your need for medication. It’s important to stick to your treatment plan, reassessing with your doctor as changes in your life occur.

Don’t Miss: How Do You Diagnose Schizophrenia

Learning To Recognise Triggers

If you have bipolar disorder, you can learn to recognise the warning signs of an approaching episode of mania or depression.

A community mental health worker, such as a psychiatric nurse, may be able to help you identify your early signs of relapse from your history.

This will not prevent the episode occurring, but it’ll allow you to get help in time.

This may mean making some changes to your treatment, perhaps by adding an antidepressant or antipsychotic medicine to the mood-stabilising medication you’re already taking.

Your GP or specialist can advise you on this.

Traumatic Brain Injuries /concussions: Heal Your Brain

If youve had a head injury, youre at higher risk of developing bipolar disorder, according to a 2016 review. In fact, one study found that people with a prior TBI were 28% more likely to develop bipolar disorder.

Heal Your Brain

If youve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and have experienced a head injury or suspect you may have had a concussion in the past, have your brain examined. At Amen Clinics, brain SPECT imaging reveals that many people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder have signs of undetected traumatic brain injury. Interestingly, head trauma can cause many of the same symptoms seen in bipolar disorder. In either case, healing the brain can be beneficial in decreasing the symptoms.

You can help heal your brain and address bipolar disorder symptoms by adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle. This includes healthy nutrition, regulated sleep, moderate exercise, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and helpful forms of therapy, including neurofeedback which has been shown to be beneficial in healing brain injuries in a 2017 study.

Don’t Miss: Can Panic Attacks Last For Hours

Mind And Body Practices

These are also called complementary or alternative therapies that you can add to traditional treatments such as medication.

Meditation. This may calm and relax your mind and can boost your concentration, lower your blood pressure, and curb anxiety.

Studies suggest that combining a meditation practice with cognitive-based mindfulness therapy can improve your depression symptoms and make you less anxious. Doing just CBMT can help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression and help you control your feelings. Doing just meditation sessions may help ease feelings of helplessness or hopelessness common in bipolar disorder.

Acupuncture. This can reduce stress and improve circulation and well-being. Acupuncture is generally safe when done by an experienced professional who uses sterile needles.

Acupuncture has been studied for psychiatric disorders including depression and PTSD, but the results are mixed. More studies are needed to know if it can benefit people with bipolar disorder.

Do You Know The Risk Factors For Bipolar Disorder

Pin on Medical

Researchers have been working for decades to uncover the underlying causes of bipolar disorder and have discovered a variety of physical, emotional, psychiatric, and lifestyle factors that may increase risk. Among them are the following:

  • gut health issues

Looking closely at some of these risk factors has revealed the following methods of treatment that involve no medication at all.

Read Also: What Support Services Are Available For Schizophrenia

Can You Treat Bipolar Disorder Without Medication

Euphoric highs. Debilitating lows. The ups and downs of living with bipolar disorder can be so challenging. But is medication the sole solution?

Although prescription medication can be helpful and may be necessary in some cases, it is not the only way to address bipolar disorder, which affects roughly 5.7 million Americans. This complex brain disorderwhich is associated with dramatic changes in moods, energy, and activity levelsdoes not have just one single cause. Instead, multiple risk factors contribute to the condition. Addressing these risk factors with nondrug therapies and lifestyle changes can be powerfully effective in managing symptoms of bipolar disorder. Before exploring these natural strategies, its necessary to understand the risk factors for bipolar disorder.

Note: If you are currently taking medication for bipolar disorder, do not stop taking it without speaking to your healthcare provider first.

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Sleep disturbances are common during all phases of bipolar disorder. You may find you sleep excessively when in a depressive episode or dont feel the need for sleep at all during mania.

  • optimizing your bedroom for light and sound exposure
  • focusing on relaxation before sleep
  • eliminating blue light exposure before bed
  • creating a comfortable, soothing bedroom atmosphere

You May Like: Can You Have A Panic Attack In Your Sleep

Make Treatment More Accessible

Some patients may become easily overwhelmed with medication maintenance and keeping up with the mental health appointments needed to manage the conditionand really daily life for that matter. Sometimes an illness can impede decision making and follow-through, so having a trusted support team can help the person suffering from the condition navigate things we take for grantedphysically getting to their physician, setting up medication reminders, etc., Bressler says. Even more important is just being available to listen when theyre feeling under duress.

Find Coping Strategies That Work For You

Can You Stop Your Bipolar Medication? â Maybe Hereâs How

When you are dealing with bipolar disorder, its important to identify healthy ways to deal with stress and remain both mentally and physically healthy.

Not all coping strategies will work for all people, but trying different methods out will help you determine what works and what doesnt. For example, some people might find yoga is a great option for them. Others might not enjoy it. Experiment until you find your go-to coping strategies that work well for you and that you enjoy.

Don’t Miss: How To Cure Lift Phobia

Can Someone With Bipolar Disorder Be Ok Without Medication

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong, progressive mental health condition, which means that it requires long-term treatment. The symptoms wont go away on their own and these symptoms can negatively impact the persons health, safety, and quality of life.

Thats why some combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modification is often part of treatment though your bipolar disorder treatment plan is specific to what kind of bipolar disorder you have and your symptoms.

Medication can help stabilize your moods so you dont experience as many manic or depressive episodes. This stability also makes therapy and personal routines possible and more effective.

Manic or depressive symptoms may occur much more frequently in individuals who are untreated with this condition, explains Joseph Swider, MD, a psychiatrist at Heading Health.

Medication is the cornerstone of treatment because, in addition to treating a current episode, medication can prevent the next episode from occurring.

Plus, Swider says, other treatment methods, such as therapy, are almost impossible when someone is currently experiencing a manic episode.

Thats why bipolar disorder is not something to treat with psychotherapy alone, explains Caitlin Billings, LCSW. Most people who choose to not take medication battle for balance and struggle with major role obligations, such as parenting, employment, managing finances, and maintaining stable long-term relationships.

Supplements For Bipolar Disorder

There are supplements that people say work and there are ones that studies say might be beneficial. Here are the supplements that actually have some evidence behind them:

  • Omega-3 generally accepted as being able to help with bipolar depression
  • N-Acetylcysteine may help with bipolar depression
  • L-Methylfolate may help some people with a specific deficiency with depression

Then there is the one that I, personally, dont believe in and think people throw ridiculous sums of money away on and thats micronutrient supplements for bipolar disorder. There is one big company that sells this stuff with wild promises and sly marketing. I dont like them but its your call.

Youll note that none of these are mania treatments. I dont know of a single supplement that has any evidence in helping mania.

Read Also: How Many Different Types Of Eating Disorders Are There

Impulsive Actions Or Psychosis

When someone is currently experiencing a manic episode, they are more at risk of engaging in harmful behavior, including:

  • excessive drinking

Untreated bipolar disorder can also lead to increased suicidal thoughts especially during a depressive phase.

A estimates that 25%60% of people with bipolar disorder attempt suicide at least once in their lives. Between 4% and 19% die by suicide.

A Need To Maintain A Healthy Diet:

Pin on OT

We all know that some people have trend to eat too much or avoid eating when they are depressed or stressed. It has the negative effects for your health and worsens the problem. The healthy diet comprises variety of foods which are high in iron, minerals, vitamins and protein. Some studies have been conducted to find out that consuming fatty fish may help to decrease stress and depression. It also improves the brain function and control the mood swings. It is recommended to eat albacore tuna, mackerel, salmon and herring by American Heart Association. In contrast, trans fats and saturated fats will destroy the brain function. Therefore, asking how to treat bipolar disorder, you are advised to eat a healthy diet.

Recommended Reading: Why Do Girls Have Eating Disorders

Can Bipolar Disorder Go Away Naturally

Bipolar disorder is a chronic, lifelong condition. There is no cure for bipolar disorder, but it can be managed with treatment. With proper management, people with bipolar disorder can live healthy and productive lives. If you are not taking medication for bipolar disorder, it is important to seek professional help so that you can develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

  • National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar Disorder.

  • Stange JP, Eisner LR, Hölzel BK, Peckham AD, Dougherty DD, Rauch SL, Nierenberg AA, Lazar S, Deckersbach T. Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder: effects on cognitive functioning. J Psychiatr Pract. 2011 Nov 17:410-9. doi:10.1097/01.pra.0000407964.34604.03

  • Tip : Develop An Active Daily Routine

    Your lifestyle choices, including your sleeping, eating, and exercise patterns, have a significant impact on your moods. There are many things you can do in your daily life to get your symptoms under control and to keep depression and mania at bay.

    Build structure into your life. Developing and sticking to a daily schedule can help stabilize the mood swings of bipolar disorder. Include set times for sleeping, eating, socializing, exercising, working, and relaxing. Try to maintain a regular pattern of activity even through emotional ups and downs.

    Exercise frequently and avoid sitting for long periods of time.Exercise has a beneficial impact on mood and may reduce the number of bipolar episodes you experience. Aerobic exercise such as running, swimming dancing, climbing or drumming all activities that keep both arms and legs active are especially effective at treating depression. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of activity into your daily routine. Ten minutes here and there is just as effective as exercising for longer periods of time. Walking is a good choice for people of all fitness levels.

    Keep a strict sleep schedule. Getting too little sleep can trigger mania, so it’s important to get plenty of rest. For some people, losing even a few hours can cause problems. However, too much sleep can also worsen your mood. The best advice is to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

    You May Like: A Newly Admitted Patient Diagnosed With Schizophrenia Is Hypervigilant

    More articles

    Popular Articles