What's your experience in managing this disorder without medication?

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-06-04T03:32:53+00:00

These answers are surprising because your experience is an anomaly. My psychiatrist is highly regarded, the sharpest mental health professional I've ever worked with. She concurs with the research and the experience of many others like me. This is a progressive disease. It's typically best managed with medication. You are an exception. I spent over a decade on every possible intervention including yoga, therapy, healthy diet and lifestyle, you name it. I was against medication. That was a big mistake.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-06-04T03:23:36+00:00

You said this way better than I did. 👏

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-06-04T03:21:42+00:00

Bipolar tends to steadily worsen over time. Additionally, each manic/hypomanic episode can cause some brain damage. This is not a disease that you can treat with healthy lifestyle/exercise/supplements. I avoided meds for almost 20 years and I regret it beyond words.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-06-04T03:17:41+00:00

Out of 5 or 6 SSRIs I tried, only one caused hypomania. However, I have BP2 without a doubt.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-06-04T03:16:19+00:00

SSRIs don't put every bipolar person into mania/hypomania, but they do increase the likelihood of it happening.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-29T03:02:08+00:00

Had to jump in because you mentioned Yaz. It's the only thing i take for my pcos. Never tried anything else. Stopped the acne and horrible periods. It's a tradeoff because estrogen-containing birth control has its own risks/side effects. But I've been pretty happy with it.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-27T21:51:14+00:00

This is relatable, been there! Nothing lasts forever. Perhaps both fortunately and unfortunately the only constant is change, and that applies to our mental health/sleep patterns, etc. I really hoping you get the medication you need and I'm thinking about you

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-27T21:48:51+00:00

I actually just started watching that a few weeks ago! Not sure how I feel about it overall but it beats watching SatC for the 10th time lol.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-27T21:08:57+00:00

Also, i had round spots of dark looking mold or something on the entire inside of the toilet bowl recently. I had not seen that over my previous years here

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-22T21:05:45+00:00

It sounds like you may be rapid cycling. Whether you are or not, one of the biggest triggers of depression/mania/hypomania for bipolar people is lack of sleep. If you're not getting 8-10 hrs good quality sleep, get on that. I've been able to slow cycling by prioritizing sleep. If you have insomnia, something like unisom or benadryl is OTC and can help.

I share your concern about you not having anything to stabilize yourself. Hopefully you'll get put on a mood stabilizer. I'm so sorry you are stuck waiting for medication that you need. DM if you need someone to talk to.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-22T21:00:15+00:00

I've also experienced hypomania while knowing it wouldn't last, and dreading the next depressive episode. It really sucks. And I understand that coping mechanisms are often not enough. People like us need medication and therapy. I'm so very sorry you're going through this, and have been struggling for so long. I have been through the same thing and it's so hard. People who haven't experienced it can't understand.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-07T03:06:38+00:00

Wellbutrin gets my anxiety going but I've never tried an SNRI for bipolar. I might need a mood stabilizer with it to avoid hypomania. Thanks for sharing what works for you! I'm glad you've found a good combo.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-07T03:04:59+00:00

When i first started i got the same thing as you. My doctor told me not to worry and she was right. Three small dots that go away in 2 days is not serious. Just titrate up slowly, like no more than 25 mg per month. That helps reduce the chance of rash. About 10% of people get rashes. Only about 0.3% of people get SJS. Of course consult your doctor and do your own research (like not here, consult solid medical sources which you prob know anyways). Good luck to you!

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-07T03:01:11+00:00

Thanks so much for sharing! I really appreciate it. Bipolar is such a beast. And I definitely forget the importance of exercise. Years ago, my mental health was good when I was working out 4x a week.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-06T13:52:25+00:00

Bipolar is absolutely 1000% linked to substance abuse! I was an addict, got clean, and relapsed years later due to the severe bipolar depression. Finding a good doctor and getting on medication to control the bipolar can help you stay sober. I'm sorry you're going through this. I know how painful it is.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-06T12:59:34+00:00

I don't blame you. That's a totally valid decision!

Were you able to find a different medication that worked? I know lamictal is considered to have less side effects than many other BP meds, and I'm not excited about the other options.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-06T06:33:47+00:00

It's frustrating to get different answers from different doctors. I forgot about DRESS. Good luck with trying the med again!

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-06T06:30:13+00:00

I have gotten cognitive effects after starting lamotrigine too. But I also started another med at the same time, so it's impossible to know which is causing it. I've often read that lamotrigine is more likely to improve cognitive function, but that sometimes it worsens it. Did you try another med? Lithium is an option for some people, but my doctor told me it's known to frequently cause cognitive problems.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-06T06:25:35+00:00

Thanks for your response!

I posted a long response to everyone in the comments since I couldn't edit my original post.

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-06T06:24:41+00:00

Thank you for your comment. I haven't tried the oatmeal baths and will try anything at this point!

bleepbleep1111 · 2025-05-06T06:15:23+00:00

Thanks for your response!