Hmmm...while I can appreciate the desire to "not take drugs" I feel that it's a self-defeating position. If you have a headache do you take aspirin? If so, you use a drug. I've found that the right drugs are the best treatment possible for BP.
You could try some valerian, an OTC herbal supplement that acts as a relaxer/tranquilizer. Start with one tab and see if that helps. Take no more than 3 tabs at a time. I find it has a long "hangover" time. And it's a drug. There's something to be said for alcohol and it's not the best option. in my opinion, but please decide for your own "bad self".

hehe thanks so much tommy. i do like the natural approach best, so I will ask my doctor about what he thinks too. There's a natural food store near me that will definitely carry this or be able to tell me how to get it. I have written my Dr. a couple of emails today - so maybe from what I've written he will be able to also provide a kind of advice. I may send him a note about the Valerian. Thanks again. Peace and best.

Watch out with self medicating with alcohol! Not sure why you think you should go med free, and then take the drug alcohol, to help, instead!

There really is no difference! And since alcohol doesn't need a prescription, it is much easier to abuse!

That's my opinion, anyway!

thanks Marlene.

hey mark, there's nothing wrong with the old virtual alcohol, am in the lounge having a port if you want to join! hugs. peace to you too.

thanks irish! I will swing by! :)

Sorry you are having a bad time, Mark. I think talking to your Dr. is a good idea. I, personally, wouldn't be alive now without my meds, but to each his own. (I'm a recovered alcoholic so I would never suggest alcohol).

Big hug for you sweetie.... You aren't med free are you??... I think having a prn is a big plus... .I always have one available and I only use it if I really need to.... A racing mind sux.... Sometimes just being able to interrupt what's going on can break the cycle if that makes sense
I hope you have some peace tonight Marky.....xo

Thanks Becky. Thanks Jan.

I am not med free, I just feel reluctant to 'up' the dosage of meds that I am on. I liked the idea of going natural like tommy suggested. It feels at least a little healthier.
The day has progressed to a better place. Watching an old movie right now and hanging out.

I totally get "break from being me". That's a good way to put it. I've been feeling that way at night, but also reluctant to take something for sleep. So I'm right there with you, buddy. I can't drink right now, but a woodsy Malbec would suit me just fine.

Hello all,
This was a great thread for me to read, Being new, I wasn't sure were this group might be in the journey of BP. I have some people who tell me I just need to get off my meds and be normal because there is nothing wrong with me. Really, I fail to explain why I won't do that. At 65, I've been off and on meds many times and all different types. I'm sold on just being stable with what works for me. My doctor gives me leeway to make adjustments when I feel some change is needed. But there are those times when I know I have to go see my doctor and reevaluate because life got weird on me. And I don't do weird.
As for alcohol, I do some self medicating and I call it that because I know it damn will But, sometimes I drink, sometimes too much. And then it always makes my meds not work well. So if life is crap, I know I shouldn't self medicate and call it a party. But... when I was young I would tumble and fall right into the psych ward. DONE!
Enough from me.
Good night all, peace.

Thanks Melise, Thanks debwell!

Definitely talk to your doctor. Valerian and Kava Kava can be very effective, but they can't be combined with certain psych meds, so you need to get the okay. Look into other traditional methods of soothing the mind - chamomile tea, lavender bath salts, etc. - things you can do to refocus/reorient yourself. The benefit of these kinds of approaches is that they're rituals in and of themselves, so the preparation takes thought and energy - in doing the ritual of preparing tea you break the thought cycle of whatever you were thinking before, so not only do you give yourself a break, but you also reinforce that break chemically with an herbal supplement that will slow your mind down. Good luck!

thanks bookmaven!

I would talk with your doc as well sweetie..... People think natural is often better.... St John's Wort has sent people with BP into a mania....To me it means that these medications haven't passed through the FDA.... Heroin is natural..... Ya know what I mean.... Big squishy hug sweetie... I hope you feel better soon.......xo