manic depression

Holly J · Post by **Holly J** » Mon Jun 23, 2008 6:40 pm

if someone had manic depression does that mean this program doesn't work for them? And do they need to take meds?

FreeToBeGG · Post by **FreeToBeGG** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 1:05 am

Hi, Holly!

My understanding is that if someone is bipolar, then they have to take meds in order to stabilize their moods. Although I can't be sure of this myself, I have come across other posts on these forums that have said that the program can help with bipolar disorder, too.

Genie

Holly J · Post by **Holly J** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 2:47 pm

what is this protein shake??

CarolynEd.Dir. · Post by **CarolynEd.Dir.** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:04 pm

I've had lots of people write to me regarding their experience with the program and Bipolar II Most report being helped. What seems to be a huge help is the fact that learning how to react differently to stress makes the cycling much less frequent.

Do not go off your medications without speaking to your doctors...most often they are necessary.

Loving ourselves is a key ingredient in recovery. Carolyn

Enlightened · Post by **Enlightened** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 6:32 pm

I agree... This Program is a version of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)... CBT is often used as a non-medication way to treat Manic Bipolar Depression. There are two other forms of altenative approaches to medication: Family Focused Therapy and Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy. Quite often Manic Bipolar Depression Type 2 may use these alternative therapy approaches to reach stabilization without having the need to use medication.

I am a living example of this...

I am not convinced that medication is the solution for Manic Bipolar Depression Type 2...
In some cases medication is akin to placing a band-aid over a self-inflicted wound without training the person to stop harming themselves.... I have found that the behavioral changes like - ridding yourself of all negative thoughts and forcing yourself to think on what is good and believable- have worked wonders...!

There are numerous other personal behaviors that a person with Manic Bipolar Depression has adopted over the years as a result of the illness alone... once you know these and what you are able to do to adjust or to bring balance or to rectify a thinking error or habit, you can lead a balanced life...

If you search any of the book sales internet sites like Amazon.com, you will be able to find numerous books on these alternative approaches specifically written to aid those with Manic Bipolar Depression....just search "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Bipolar Depression"...

I truly believe that you are in the right place. This is a good starting point. This is a wonderful season in your life...it is your journey... cherish this time of healing

{caveat: If you are on meds,however, I would not recommend that you go off your meds without your doctor's supervision. Some doctors understand and will help you with the transition}

May God bless you on your journey,

ebnb · Post by **ebnb** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 1:53 am

I too suffer from Bipolar 2. I also have depression (especially in winter) and panic attacks. Is this program helpful for Bipolar 2?

I am on 5 different medications and am desperate to get rid of at least some of them. I tried St. Johns Wart about 10 years ago and had a very bad reaction to the medication so I had to stop it.

Any other suggestions for natural supplements? I am on the 1st CD and DVD and have gone through it several times now and found some of the information very helpful but they don't seem to touch on Bipolar 2.

Thanks for any help you all have to offer.
Bonnie

Enlightened · Post by **Enlightened** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 8:04 pm

Ebnb-

In most of the research that I have conducted concerning Bipolar Depression Type 2, the pyschologists and the pharmacologists know that you can safely use the alternative approaches to treating manic depression type 2 without medication. You may wish to get a doctor who has this understanding that can wean you off of most of those meds.

In addition, I would suggest that you get some other resources that specifically relate to Bipolar Manic Depression with reference to 1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, 2. Family Focused Therapy and/or 3. Interpersonal Social Rhythm therapy. Try Amazon or Barnes and Nobles websites for text books...

This program of Lucinda Bassett's is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. You are correct in your estimation that Bipolar Manic Depression is not particularly addressed, since it is beyond the scope of the program. It will be good to still go through all 15 sessions and try to follow the instructions about lifestyle changes that can be made. Then in addition you can study up on other life management skills that are necessary for those who suffer with manic depression... this was my approach.

You will be fine. I believe that you are in the right place. This is a good start. I wish you well on your journey to recovery.

india_6 · Post by **india_6** » Sat Jul 26, 2008 3:49 am

This is just me experience...I was diagnosed bi-polar, and they put me on meds (can't remember the name) anyway, I had problems with the medication, it was messing with me heart and making me faint. Needless to say I had to stop taking it, BUT, I have noticed with the help of the program, the cycles seem less frequent and less severe. I seem to be doing better overall. In my personal opinion the program help with it a lot. And medications will work for some people, by all means if it works for you, then take it.