Bipolar Disorder HELP!

[sweetpea212]

I'm a teenager, and I have all the symptoms for bipolar disorder, I have not been diagnosed because I don't want to take lithium, I want homoeopathic stuff instead. A couple days ago I tried to slit my wrists but I couldn't press down or draw blood. I am at my wits end....HELP!!! Anyone know any good natropathic doctors???

[thatquietgirl]

Definitely go see a mental health professional.  As I mentioned before, you do not have to opt for meds.  You can opt for therapy first and then try meds as a "last resort."  Also mention to the mental health professional the name of whatever this stuff is that you have been taking.  It's important for the whole picture to be given openly and honestly.

Have your hormones checked as well, if you go in.  Thyroid issues, for example, can make it seem like someone's manic or depressed.  Most doctors I've encountered automatically check the thyroid anytime they order blood work to check blood levels to ensure a med is within therapeutic range, but some don't.  It is also good to check things like estrogen as well.

And yes, definitely avoid St. John's Wort as one of the other posters mentioned.  Not only is it not good if you have bipolar disorder, but it also interacts with a lot of medications (psychiatric and otherwise).

Best wishes.

[stevie_dj]

I think you really need to tell somebody that you trust and try to get yourself some professional help bother than an uncle who just gives you a ball park figure. And make sure that it is somebody who really trusts you and knows you. I remember what it was like, as a teenager, to want to die and to have adults say "that's just being a teenager". It obviously is something that troubles you and that scares you so you need to make sure that whoever it is, they know to take this seriously as well.

I don't know about homeopathic ways but I want to let you know, not every bipolar person is on lithium. Lithium is the "tried and true" method, I suppose, for lack of a better term but some people don't respond well to it. I surely didn't. My current medication is actually Lamictal, which is generally an anti-seizure medication. One of my friends is on Lexapro, some only are on one, some on many different types. It all depends on your background, your state of mind, and your body and, hopefully, a trained professional can help with that.

I'm so sorry that things are going like this. I hope you can get some comfort, find some peace, and get some treatment. :(

[sweetpea212]

I will swing from one mood to another. I break down constantly I have insomnia. I will be very hyper than wanting to kill myself. I have an Uncle who specializes in this stuff he says there is a 9 out of 10 chance i have it. I started taking some over the counter natural stuff (that tastes AWFUL) and that helped but sometimes I still want to die.

[lindahand]

Just so you know, the theory behind homeopathic remedies is that the substance they are diluted in 'remembers' the properties of what it is mixed with. A homeopathic remedy that is 75 for example means that the original item was mixed to a 10% solution. That solution was then mixed to a 10% solution and this is repeated 75 times. So there is usually only trace elements in the solutions. I know some people who swear by them, but scientifically they contain no active ingredients. Just think it is important to be an informed person with mental illness.

If you are suicidal, you need help, you need to tell someone.

A naturopathic doctor may be better than a homeopathic doctor in the sense that a naturopath may use herbs that contain active ingredients. The problem is few of these are tested properly and a lot of them can instigate an episode of mania just like the SSRI medications can. Do not take St. John's Wort for example if you suspect you are bipolar. So if the person doesn't have a history treating someone with bipolar disorder you may end up in a bad way.

I take three different medications and live a good life. I know there is a lot of fear mongering out there about psychiatric medications. What I know is how much they've helped me. I am not suicidal, I have my brain back, and I am building a good life for myself.

The sooner you are treated, the sooner you can regain your life. Each episode that you have, makes other ones more likely, and will make those episodes stronger (they call this the kindling effect).

And suicide is a very real risk, if you have bipolar disorder untreated your risk of completed suicide is as high as 20% Botched suicide attempts are even higher, and they can permanently gibble you. Wreck your liver, or destroy your brain functioning.

Please Please Please tell someone you are suicidal, and get some professional help. If can save your life, but more than that give you a quality of life back. So that you want to live out your dreams and aren't trapped in a mind committed to killing itself.

Things can and do get better, but you have to reach out. You can't do this one alone.

Chances are also strong that you wouldn't be put on lithium. Its fallen out of favour as a first line treatment. You may be put on something like Abilify or Ziprexa, or something like Lamotrigine. Lamotrigine has very few side effects so if you are worried about that it may be something you can try more comfortably.

[thatquietgirl]

Slitting wrists doesn't necessarily indicate bipolar disorder, but I'm assuming in your mind you have other things that are indicative of bipolar disorder in mind.  Keep in mind self-diagnosis is often wrong and also keep in mind going and seeking help by getting diagnosed does NOT mean you have to take medication for whatever you end up diagnosed with.  They will offer it to you, but you do not have to accept it.  Therapy can be a very powerful tool.  However, you have to find someone you like and who will help you develop techniques to cope.  You will need to journal and keep track of your symptoms to help.  Such things wouldn't be bad to start before diagnosis to give the psychiatrist a brief picture of what's going on.

Another note: the natural things can potentially be more harmful or just as harmful as medications to the body.  After all, the FDA does not regulate these substances, and some have been mixed with medications or simply aren't up to par.  There have been cases where people will buy the ones mixed with something without realizing it and end up with a drug interaction.  So be careful what you buy if you go the homeopathic route.

Whatever the case, if you think you have bipolar disorder, you do need to seek treatment.  It only gets worse without it.