Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Free from Meds (2)

deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi - It was heartening to hear some success stories of persons free from their medication for extended periods of time. However, the intent of my question was - can it be done psychologically?

Most people (I think) have repeated mental patterns (e.g. they think they some kind of super-person when manic) and I was wondering if one can tackle these irrational states with the force of reasoning; by finding logical faults in the manic belief systems. As the schizophrenic hero in the movie 'A Beautiful Mind' reasons that the persons who he sees can't exist because they never get old!

I have been manic for 20+ years and after protracted efforts have finally understood my manic patters & their roots. So, I was thinking if I could successfully defeat them with reason...
deleted_user
deleted_user
I wish you all the best. I know personally, I could not do it. When I am manic..."logic" is not a part of my vocabulary. Everything is done on impulse and irrational behaviour. If you can do it and manage to defeat it with reason...you are one of the few who can. Take care. I appreciate your feedback on our posts to your first discussion topic. Please let us know how you're doing.
deleted_user
deleted_user
When I feel better I think that maybe I should wean myself from the meds. But I don't because I remember parts of my life before meds when I was out of control, hearing voices, mania and darkest depression. I do not think I would be one of those success stories.
deleted_user
deleted_user
To me, all logic becomes warped and self justified when manic. I think the fundamentals of this strategy do not work since our baseline for logical, rational thought becomes skewed when we go into delusional, psychotic mania.

I wish you luck in your endeavors, and if your mania is not so severe where you can actually practice this I wish you luck, but I know for me personally it would be too big of a gamble to undertake.
deleted_user
deleted_user
In a Beautiful Mind I believe the character was schizophrenic??
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi ChristieR - Yes, I have experienced reason going out the window when I was manic in the past. However, remember I have been dealing with this for 20+ years and so am noticing a pattern. A few days back, I successfully battled a manic attack using reason. That made me feel great and so thought I'd check with others to see if it could be done for future ones. But, I'm still on my Meds and not taking any quick decisions...thanx to u & others for ur support.
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