I would be skeptical that tree bark ect.. was more powerful than psychotropic drugs. But then again the drug industry has been proven to be a profit hungry industry.

What's your experience with your symptoms? If they're serious and apt to disrupt your life then I'd stick to the meds. Your call.

I've seen a naturopathic only twice, but it was a wonderful experience. I would go totally with them if I could afford it. They tend to pay more attention to what you have to say, they will just let you talk, and actually LISTEN! It's almost like seeing a doc and a therapist all at once. They notice more stuff and make more connections that MDs usually miss because they are so focused on such a small area. I don't use 'em because of course gov't insurance doesn't cover them, and I can't afford to pay them.

The biggest problems with them is their availability, and I would make sure I checked out their credentials as many people like to claim to be naturopathics, or psychotherapists even, but if you look into their credentials you find that they aren't licensed or whatever. A real naturopathic doctor, like the ones that come from Bastyr University have to have an actual MD. True, there could well be some natural healers that don't have a fancy degree but DO know what they're doing, but that would be for you to judge, and that would only be possible as long as they're not trying to pretend to have a diploma or license than they don't actually have.

So, go for it! Tell us how it works out. If naturopathic methods end up working way better for you than mainstream medicinal care, PLZ let us all know so we know what to shoot for! ;)

I second Jaybear on letting us know if it works. If there was a reality to not taking these meds, well...

I am going homeopathic but I have to get off of these hard core drugs that I am on first. I will let ya'll know my experience when I go through changing my diet, and changing what kind of meds I take.....If I was single and had SSI I would continue to take meds like a good little girl but my hubby doesn't like me when I am on the psychotrophics so I have to go off of them to make him happy.....happiness doesn't matter to me. Keeping him happy does.

aw bipolarprincess, your happiness is so important! i hope you know thaat.

Please please let me know how it's going for you... I'm thinking about doing that at some point.

get back 2 me if u hav any luck PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!!!!!

Sweetie, you are young and have the time to experiment if you feel the need. I would do it now while you can and before it disrupts your life too much. You cant know for sure unless you do and once you do you wont wonder anymore or regret not having tried it. Anything we do can only add to our information bank and help us grow forward. xo

I say why not try both, at the same time? Let the naturopath know that you want to try both, and think they could compliment each other (I know this goes against many of their ideals) but that you would like to work with them in this way... See what they say.

Oh and if they want you to "cleanse" some of their "cleanses" can make your meds more potent - be careful with those... especially GSE (grapefruitseed extract) very potent stuff there... wonderful if you are not on any meds, but if you are on any meds for any condition (not just psych) it can make your meds soooooo incredibly more potent & dangerous.

But things like micronutrients, chlorophyll (sp?) - hey go for it

I am a fan of trying anything alternative to help with my bipolar. I would say do what makes you comfortable and why not try both approaches at the same time as long as the medications and herbal remedies do not interact with eachother. Always get expert advice first as well. If you have any luck let me know.

Good Luck
Hugs

when kidlet was a baby/toddler we were using strictly homeopathic remedies and it was a life changing decision for the better. she had been very sick and wasn't responding to conventional meds and we switched and it was like a lightbulb. from what we experienced it was positive. me on the other hand, i am not quite willing to go that path, but i can't afford it now.

Shelly- I like your thinking and the way you put that just so. thank you.

All- I am three months pending with SSI and SSDI applications right now. If I get it, then I will move out of my parents house and settle. Soon, I suspect, I will try to find a naturopath of some kind and see if I can afford it AND if SSI or SSDI doesn't track my meds or anything...?

So I won't be able to let you know of how it's going within a couple weeks. But I will report. Thanks for responding :)

If ur stable on the meds ur on now, I'd say stay on them. If meds aren't working, what ya got to lose, try the naturpath. Good Luck! And good luck in getting ssdi. hugs,tedi