Is It Possible to Manage Bipolar Disorder Without Medication?

Many people experience fluctuations in mood. It may be that they feel good one moment and then low the next. Bipolar disorder, however, is a complex mental health condition that differs from normal mood swings.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. It’s marked by extreme mood episodes that range from depressive lows to manic highs. Mood changes like this are often so intense that they impact someone’s ability to function. Changes in mood, activity, and energy characterize bipolar disorder. It can also disrupt your daily life and relationships. Bipolar episodes can last for days, weeks, or sometimes months, with some cases requiring long-term care. Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, but it can be managed with treatment and support. 

Early diagnosis is pivotal here, as is proactive care. The disorder can worsen over time without proper management as well. Bipolar can also increase your risk of self-harm and suicide during a depressive episode, but those who have a comprehensive treatment plan are often able to live both stable and fulfilling lives.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can present itself in several ways. The symptoms can also vary from person to person. Mood episodes that define the disorder are listed below.

Depression

Depressive episodes often involve long periods of sadness, lack of energy, and hopelessness. Some may have trouble sleeping, and others may have a hard time concentrating. In severe cases, suicidal thoughts may occur as well.

Mania

Mania is often characterised as an elevated mood, with increased energy alongside impulsive behavior. Individuals may talk excessively, not sleep, and take risks such as engaging in dangerous activities.

Hypomania

Hypomania is a mild form of mania. The symptoms are less intense, but they may disrupt daily life. They can lead to serious issues if not addressed.

Mixed episodes

In mixed episodes, symptoms of mania and depression occur at the same time. Someone may feel energetic and agitated, but at the same time, feel hopeless. Episodes like this are often difficult to manage.

If you want to find out more, Jackson House provides additional information on bipolar disorder symptoms.

Managing Bipolar Disorder

Even though bipolar disorder comes with challenges, it is manageable. Management often includes medication, but there are non-medication strategies out there as well. Still, working closely with a mental health professional is the best way for you to regain control and stability over your life.

Risks of Managing Bipolar Disorder without Medication

Some people consider avoiding medication due to the side effects or personal beliefs regarding medication. While therapeutic approaches can help, it is important to understand the risks of managing bipolar disorder without medication, some of which are presented below:

Increased Intensity of Episodes

Without medication, you are much more likely to experience severe mood episodes, which can escalate quickly.

Impact on Lifestyle

Not having the benefits of medicine-involved treatment can mean a higher chance that bipolar disorder will lead to impeded judgment, impaired productivity, and negatively affected relationships.

Higher Risk of Hospitalization

Severe episodes can result in the need for emergency intervention, especially if there are suicidal thoughts or dangerous behaviors.

Non-Medication Approaches

As presented, non-medication treatment can help those with bipolar disorder. Following is information on three non-medication approaches. Note that these approaches can also be used alongside medication treatment.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to help people understand their negative thought patterns, supporting behavioral changes

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-based therapy can help individuals be more present and reduce the risk of relapse overall. 

Lifestyle Adjustments

Regular exercise, alongside regular exercise and consistent sleep, can help with mood stabilization.

Medication-Based Approaches

Medication can play a big role when it comes to stabilizing mood, and it can also help to prevent relapses of bipolar disorder events. When prescribing any kind of medication, healthcare professionals need to consider a number of factors, including existing medical conditions, appropriate doses, and more. Medication is also typically combined with therapy as well as lifestyle interventions. 

Mood stabilizers

Lithium is one of the most widely used mood stabilizer medications, as it helps to control manic and depressive episodes.

Atypical antipsychotics

These are often used to manage mania or more severe mood swings.

Anticonvulsants

Developed for epilepsy, these drugs can often improve mood instability.

Antidepressants

These are often used to treat depressive episodes, but they have to be used carefully or they can trigger mania.

Bipolar Disorder Treatments Available at Jackson House

Jackson House offers a personalized approach to bipolar treatment. Our goal is to empower individuals so they can manage their condition and reclaim improved health in their lives. We do this through comprehensive care.

When you come to us at Jackson House, we will adopt a broad yet personalized approach when offering treatment. Our philosophy is rooted in respect, empathy, and collaboration. We also believe in providing a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and empowered when trying to take charge of their conditions. 

Some of the treatments we offer include:

Medication Management

We carefully prescribe medications and monitor the side effects.

Illness Education

Our services include helping clients and their families understand bipolar disorder. Education is a way to help those involved in bipolar disorder treatment and management respond to mood changes.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy offers practical strategies to help improve individual wellness.

Family Involvement

Encouraging healthy family dynamics and communication is a way to support clients’ effective, long-term recovery.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you believe that you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, please contact us today. We offer free, confidential consultations and are positioned to offer support regardless of where you or a loved one is on the journey to improved wellness.