We are all cursed

[BassBass]

We are all cursed to take medication for the rest of our lives. I so wanted to find another way but this is it. My psychiatrist suggested I see a naturopathic doctor and I did but there is no magic fix or cure out there.

My wife and family are worried I will continue to cycle if I do not continue with my meds.  I do not want to let my family down and I do not want to lie. So I must continue to poison my mind and body with terrible chemicals.

I hate this disease and everything associated with it.  good luck.

[paranoid_cataclysm]

Yes I feel a similar way with how I have to take antipsychotics which caused me to gain weight and can cause tardive dyskinesia but I'm scared to death of what it was like right before I took them so I guess it's just picking the lesser of two evils.

[Lizz67]

I'm sorry that you seem hopeless now.  I have BPI and take meds, as I have for many years.  And I'm going through a period where I am frustrated with how I'm doing and dealing with some side effects.

In my situation right now I don't have access to a psychiatrist because of where I live and money.  My GP is handling my psych care pretty well, but I don't want to try anything new w/out a psych.
I don't know if this helpful - it's just some background for you.

I totally understand your frustration of hearing ".....just the right meds." I hate that, too.
But here's what I would add to ILADVOCATE's comments:  medications for Bipolar have the backing of scientific evidence that they work.  As far as I've researched no non-medical remedies have as much science behind them at this time.

So, I'm sorry this is advice to not give up on meds, but maybe if you understand that there is evidence it might help while you consider your situation.  
BTW it's okay to be totally pissed!  And it's totally okay to tell your doctor you're pissed.  Be honest.

[BassBass]

Typical response on this forum "maybe you are on the wrong meds." Could I be on the wrong med because they are ALL wrong.  

[ILADVOCATE]

  Yes I can understand your concerns but its best to see medication as treatment that is there to help you. If you had specific concerns about medications or a medication that was prescribed it would be worthwhile to discuss this with your psychiatrist. There arent' really any natural remedies that can substitute for medications for bipolar. This is some information about bipolar and medications that you could discuss with your psychiatrist:
http://www.medhelp.org/tags/health_page/167/Depression/Useful-Bipolar--Depression-Webisites?hp_id=523
If you couldn't respond to the medications that you were prescribed or couldn't tolerate them it might be worthwhile to ask for a referral to a psychopharmocologist who are medication specialists or a mood disorders specialist.