Fighting Bipolar Disorder Without Medicines- Is It Possible?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness is a mental disorder characterized by abnormal shifts in mood, energy and activeness level. Normally, mood swings or elevated emotions last a couple of minutes or hours. However, when they are prolonged, it can also be a symptom of mental disorder. This is called bipolar disorder and it is not as rare as people might think, as 46 million people suffer from it globally.

One of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder is the shift between two extreme emotions, referred to as “mood episodes”. An individual will suffer intense excitement followed by serious depression that can continue for days and weeks. The symptoms of this mental health condition disturb a person’s daily activities and affects not only them, but also their loved ones. 

Treatment:

Unfortunately, there is no cure for this mental illness but there are multiple options available that help in managing it. Bipolar disorder treatment combines medication, psychotherapy and counseling, all of which can aid in controlling the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

BIPOLAR DISORDER WITHOUT MEDICATIONS:

The numerous studies done on bipolar disorder have enabled people to manage their symptoms in multiple ways. It is true that medications remind you of your unwanted illness and many patients want to discontinue it once they become stable. However, that can lead to a relapse.

Psychotherapist Russ Federman believes that it is possible to live a life without medications but that only works for individuals whose symptoms are relatively low. He adds that with good self-care and lifestyle management, one can live a stable life. However, this is not the case for many bipolar patients.

Alternative treatments have proven to be effective as they provide relief from symptoms. Even so, it is advised that for best results, both medications and alternative treatments should be taken hand in hand. Some methods that can help in fighting bipolar disorder are given below.

1. Natural Supplements:

Some natural remedies aid in management of bipolar disorder. Still, it is best to check with a doctor before taking any. Some of the natural supplements that stabilize moods and emotions are:

·           FISH OIL:  

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that assist in the treatment of mental illnesses. A 2016 research suggests taking omega-3 supplements can be useful in treatment of bipolar disorder.

·         Rhodiola Rosea:

 Arctic or golden root may help with mild to moderate depression while also causing some form of  insomnia. Additionally, clinical trials in (2007) showed natural anti-depressive abilities in this herb.

·          S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe):

SAMe is a naturally occuring substance in the body. In supplement form, it can be beneficial for bouts of depression and extreme sadness.

·          Magnesium:

Low magnesium levels can result in depressive symptoms. Hence, magnesium supplements have shown potential for prevention of such symptoms as they have mood stabilizing effects.

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2.           Altering Lifestyle:

Making wise lifestyle choices can help people in management of bipolar disorder. These changes won’t treat the disorder but they can ease the symptoms.

·         Sleep:  

Mental disorders can disrupt sleeping patterns. Too little or too much sleep can trigger a mood change. Hence, getting adequate sleep is highly important to reduce any sudden emotions. Therefore, creating a comfortable environment, avoiding screen time and stressful situations is necessary for regulating sleep.

·         Exercise:

Regular exercise can help balance one’s emotions. It does not have to be extensive physical activity. Any anaerobic exercise such as yoga, pilates and meditation can be helpful. Whereas, cardio exercises like running and swimming can promote better sleep and reduce the risk of many other illnesses as well.

·         Diet:

A diet consisting of omega-3, magnesium, vitamins and proteins is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Reducing the intake of saturated fats is also good, as they result in chemical imbalance in the brain. Many people with mental illnesses suffer from eating disorders, therefore maintaining a healthful diet is crucial.

·         Vitamins:

Vitamin B6 and B12 are important for the functioning of the nervous system, which is responsible for our behavior, emotions and thoughts. So, taking vitamin B can also regulate symptoms of bipolar disorder.

3.                 Therapies:

Some recommended therapies used to enhance bipolar disorder treatments may include:

·      Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

Therapists use cognitive behavioral  therapy to identify irregular thoughts and irrational behavior. It focuses on recognizing negative thoughts that can contribute to emotional difficulties.

This type of psychotherapy provides the patient with a safe space for open discussion. The purpose of this is to tackle triggers and come up with appropriate solutions. Moreover, in this kind of therapy, psychological methods facilitate emotional and social progress.

·      Interpersonal And Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)

As already discussed, bipolar disorder can lead to an imbalance of everyday life. Hence, Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy mainly focuses on bringing stability to irregular patterns of daily activities. Maintaining good eating and sleeping habits, as well as coming up with a proper routine can help with fewer mood episodes and lesser symptoms.

·      Psychoeducation:

Psychoeducation treatment involves educating the patient and their families regarding bipolar disorder. The patients are helped in acknowledging their condition and then dealing with it. The main goal of this is to improve commitment to pharmacological treatments.
 

Conclusion:
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but that doesn’t mean a person can’t live a normal life. When it comes to treatment of this disorder, alternative methods can be helpful but they shouldn’t replace your current medications. A balance between medicine, traditional treatments, therapies and a good lifestyle can go a long way. Most importantly, a good support system can lead to an improved well-being.