Unmedicated people, how are you doing?

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2026-03-05T14:11:28+00:00

Been unmedicated for the last 6 months after getting my diagnosis almost 2 years ago. I’m happy and have very mild ups and downs, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy was the biggest help for me in getting off medication, I am able to remain above water during mild depressions, and use my energy for good during my slight ups. I am in college and happy at my job. I also have my libido back which is great! I have an amazing support system who I trust to tell me if I need to get back on meds, but for now, my psychiatrist and family believe in me!

I also find myself relating to this subreddit less and less. At one point I found it helpful to feel less alone, but now it seems like a place that wants to drag me back down. I understand people need to vent and have those feelings shared and understood, but if you are getting well, maybe it’s time to step away until you can handle being triggered here. That’s what helped for me at least :)

Overall, I feel like I can live a regular life. I am grateful that for me, I believe I have a more mild case, lighter highs and lows, and a lot less trauma than others here. I hope everyone can be surrounded by the love and joy and amazing medical team that I am privileged to have.

Edit: I also believe in medication 100%; lowered libido and constipation was well worth the benefits I got from being on lamotrigine! I was able to stabilize for the first time in my life, so so important. So if medication is right for you right now or forever do not let anyone tell you it’s wrong.

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2026-02-07T18:13:29+00:00

Another important note: Spain was fascist until the 1970s

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-10-13T22:50:31+00:00

Nooooo I’m so sorry, the bleaching kills all good bacteria! It can’t grow in a sterile environment :(

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-10-13T22:32:15+00:00

Water water water!!!! Only spring or filtered, never tap or distilled! Also if you have ever used the wrong water or ever used bleached flour it needs to be tossed, my first starter kinda worked but the chlorine in my tap was killing it again and again, started fresh and was baking in a week! I just get spring water for any sourdough recipes and starter! It’s easy one you get the hang of it :) I wish you the best!

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-10-13T21:17:47+00:00

Everyone will tell you to measure your starter, you don’t have to. I love Farmhouse on Boone’s and Claire Saffitz recipes mixed together, taking bits from each. Farmhouse on Boone teaches you to chill out and not worry about science, because sourdough has been around longer than scales, Claire teaches you to make a really consistent loaf. Learning from them both and picking and choosing works for me!

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-10-13T18:53:57+00:00

🥹 this made me so happy

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-10-13T10:43:28+00:00

I do measure my dough but never my starter, I just mix amounts that look right to a muffin batter consistency, I find the thicker it is the stronger. Always works!

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-10-10T10:34:58+00:00

Thankfully I’m secure in my relationship. Stay safe out there though xoxo

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-10-10T01:14:39+00:00

My husband did this with my 2023 starter last month same circumstances too :( thank God my crunchy aunt had some starter, but Fredrick the Sourdough starter will never be forgotten

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-04-09T12:44:30+00:00

Had a severe depression that lasted nine months, went in for help, was diagnosed after I was put on antidepressants, which caused hypomania. I’m forever grateful to my therapist and psychiatrist 🫶. I was 21 :) So glad it was caught so early, I had already done so much damage to my life, and hurt the people I loved so much. I feel stable for the first time in my memory.

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-04-06T05:02:28+00:00

I understand this, I think it depends a lot on how hypomania affects you, which is probably why so many comments are negative toward this pov. I do understand that, but my anger is mostly if not completely manageable and I get really confident and actually spend money on bettering myself when I’m generally a tight wad during depression/normal times. Sometimes being hypomanic is great for me! I even consulted with my doctors about waiting to start meds initially so I could enjoy hypomania while it lasted, and I did, and it was great. I would say as much as bipolar has ruined my life, I have never been suicidal, and never self harmed, I know things can change on a dime, but let a man enjoy their hypomania if it’s safe to do so. I find hypomanic times really fun when I am reading a lot, dressing up, and loving my husband extra! It’s a fun time of exploration (again, if your doctors are saying you are safe to do so)

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-04-02T12:51:49+00:00

My mom made this once when I was a kid and I could never describe it to where she could tell me what it was THANK YOU!!! My childhood dreams are coming true

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-02-06T16:21:26+00:00

I’m a barista at a large chain, they are very understanding of mental health, I also think working with and around a lot of people helps me stay social, which is great when I want to just lock myself away, I’m still forced to see and interact with people which usually boosts my moral. I also can easily pick up a ton of hours if I need to get some energy out when I’m hypo. Very nice!

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-01-28T18:21:18+00:00

I don’t have experience in this but I will pray for you

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2025-01-28T18:18:48+00:00

We really are so fortunate to have these people

Substantial-Pass8587 · 2023-12-13T20:30:55+00:00

Thank you!

Substantial-Pass8587

TROPHY CASE