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Anybody trying some alternative treatments?

Posted , 4 users are following.

andafreija
andafreija

Please tell me about your experience with alternative treatments smile

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Scottie70
    Scottie70 andafreija

    Posted

    Hello...

    I haven't tried any alternative therapies I'm afraid.

    I think anything you believe might help is worth trying, even if it's largely to do with a placebo effect! Even placebo plays it's part in the bigger picture.

    I even find engaging in simple things helpful, like sitting outside in my garden listening to natural sounds. Admittedly these simple remedies are more for relief in the moment, rather than long term.

    Let me know if you try anything & how you get on.

    Good luck ;0)

  • clare39944
    clare39944 andafreija

    Posted

    Dear Andafreija,  I have had bi-polar since 16 years of age.  I have been hospitalised on countless occasions over the last 40 years and have finally come to the conclusion that, despite some side effects, it is better to be on meds than risk the inevitable manic episodes.  You ask about alternative treatments - everybody is different.  I had acupuncture for 9 months (in 2000) and for a while I was really well and holding down 3 part time jobs.  Then, in the twinkling of an eye I became SO high and everything I had achieved just flew out the window because I was out of control.  Acupuncture might have delayed the inevitable but in my case it did not really help me cope and I was sectioned again.  I can say the same about hypnotherapy and homeopathy.  I can even relate that some of the medications prescribed by a psychiatrist eventually proved not up to the task of me staying stable.  Now, God willing, I am maintaining a period of good health thanks to 400mg of Lithium and 10mg of olanzapine.  The side effects are minimal in my case although I have read on this site that some people do not react well to Lithium.  I don't know how long you have had Bi-Polar or what medications you have already taken.  You can try the alternative route, but all I can say from my experience is that with all the will in the world it didn't help me maintain a stable mood.  I hope you find something that agrees with you, Clare.  
    • Scottie70
      Scottie70 clare39944

      Posted

      That's a great response Clare & I agree...

      Much like you in the past, not even regular medication has kept me stable & therefore I couldn't see the point in enduring side effects without results.

      I've been diagnosed 15 years, know myself well & now choose to ride the mood roller-coaster, with my husbands support & antidepressants when I need them.

      I can control & bring myself down from a euphoric or hypomanic episode with tried & tested techniques, however I can't lift myself out of a depressive slump!

      So I monitor my symptoms & act accordingly.

      Over the years, although I still experience both poles within a year cycle, thankfully not so extremely & I can usually preempt a trigger; although not always avoid it or go on to prevent the impending mood state!

      Your advice is sound advice...

      I think those with bipolar go through phases including denial, self searching, alternative approaches, fighting the system, compliance & back to fighting the system again!!

      Like you said, we're all different, experience the disorder differently, react differently & certainly act differently!

      I'm not compliant & certainly not sensible at times regarding bipolar, meds & me! But I stumble through.

      I might add though that I'm not working, or socialising a great deal, I don't have much confidence or self esteem & a poor body image! I'm also lonely at times.

      Perhaps if I took regular meds that all might be different; I doubt it, but who knows??!!

      It's good to hear you're well & keeping, in the main, stable.

      ;0)

    • clare39944
      clare39944 Scottie70

      Posted

      Dear Scottie, Loneliness is a horrible state to find oneself in.  After my discharge from hospital in 2013 (having been in and out for nearly a year) I found myself very isolated, despite having my loving husband at home.  I feel that I was ostrasizing myself before other people who I might have upset when I was high had the chance to do it to me.  As it turns out I have found that my fears were mostly unfounded.  I think I was lucky to have a good care coordinator who arranged for me to see a CBT therapist.  I don't think I am now any sort of expert in mindfulness or always successful in changing some of my negative thoughts.  However, I am now more insightful, as you so plainly are.  It was pointed out to me by my therapist that feeling crappy doesn't mean I AM crappy and she suggested I get more involved in my local community.  This was a year ago and am pleased to report that I joined a team of volunteers to help at a social club for those with multiple sclerosis; I joined a community choir and I decided to go online again.  I also write short stories - which I find very difficult but somehow necessary.  What I'm trying to suggest Scottie is that you might consider looking around for a few more activities to fill your time.  My shrink, last year, said research has shown exercise can lighten the mood.  It was as if he knew all I felt like doing was pull the duvet over my head.  I walk.  And now I walk with a sprightly 83 yr old and her two labradors.  Singing is a great lift for the spirit and after a few months in the choir I have had such a blast and made new friends (all women!).  I do still get lonely at times and castigate myself about so many past mistakes. This is futile.  Love perseveres and carries on.  I think you get the picture Scottie.  Keep calm and carry on & on & on & on ...Look forward to reading what you are thinking, Clare
  • soharingo
    soharingo andafreija

    Posted

    Hi, 

    Don't go on meds... EVER... 

    The most important thing for bipolar person is exercise (especially cardio). I control myself with workout and psychedelics - no tobacco, no hard drugs , rarely alcohol. It's much easier and healthier to trip once a month or two on things that are less toxic then aspirin ( like psylocibin mushrooms) then to take harmful drugs on regular bases.

    • clare39944
      clare39944 soharingo

      Posted

      It has taken me nearly 40 years to finally come to the conclusion that Lithium, despite its possible side effects is the way forward for me.  I am interested that you find an exercise regimen beneficial and the odd mushroom trip.  Horses for courses.  Not everyone is as disciplined as you are in not smokking, drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs.  I wish you well
    • soharingo
      soharingo clare39944

      Posted

       I'm not even close to dicipline. It's more of a everyday struggle. When I don't have access to my entheogenic-medicine I do go back to alcohol (rarely drugs) and  I smoke lots of weed too.

      Before I realized how to control myself to some degree, I had actually become an alcoholic. I avoid alcohol as much as I'm able to these days, but my tolerance for it is still here (over half a liter hard liqouir... or 2 liters of wine easly over depressed or manic evening)...

      Wish you well too...

      P.S.: this disease is ridiculous - it sucked all spirit out of me...

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