As someone who got off bipolar meds, I would not just "quit.' I would gradually lower doses, because some of the meds are addictive, and withdrawal can mess with your mind. It took me a few years before I was able to get totally clear of meds, and it was always with the self understanding that if I had a crisis, I would take my back up meds. I rarely had to do that, but I think that maintaining sanity is important. There is no principle more important than staying stable.

There are some other really important things you need to do, in my humble opinion. You need to have someone who knows the symptoms of bipolar, that you will be accountable to. In other words, if they see you jumping off the cliff into unknown waters, then be humble and be willing to take their "suggestion" to take meds. Or more if necessary.

Accountability is very Biblical. And the One we are most accountable to is God. That means if we go off meds, we should not replace it with nothing. Daily, almost rigid devotions were vital in my early stages of going off meds. The more I learned about the Bible, the more God helped me reprogram the pathways of my brain.

Now it is interesting, there is a lot of new information on reprogramming the brain and the plasticity of the brain. So it is possible to change your thoughts, but I won't lie, it is a process and a journey. I know of one other man with bipolar who is a member of this group who has done the same thing.

A vital relationship with God is the most important thing. That means knowing the different between the voice of God and the voice of mania. Sometimes a real challenge.

I think drugs can bring out symptoms, and if you did not have it before, it could possibly have triggered it. The catch is, once it is triggered, how do you stuff that genie back into the bottle? And depression can come with psychosis, but sadly, it is just another variation of bipolar I and schizophrenia.

I truly think God is calling you closer Chelle. I am glad you are open to coming here and posting and asking questions. But don't just go off. I think starting a mood chart was one of the best things that ever happened to me. For one thing, there was a box each day for exercise. I wondered why it was there?? LOL.

Now I know exercise is one of the basic things which not only help our mental capacity, but the latest research I saw on TV today shows it helps prevent aging, dementia, and helps our physical capacity.

I think quitting smoking would be high on your list of things to do before you quit bipolar meds. It is another drug, let's face it, and it does contribute to your feeling of well being (having a cig,) or not. (withdrawal). You don't want to go through withdrawal without help.

So to sum up another long post.

1. Daily devotions - read the Bible, pray, and find a community of supportive believers to help you on this journey.

2. Accountability - to God and to others for your actions. Don't hesitate to take meds if you need them.

3. Health - exercise, eat healthy and quit smoking.


Hope that gives you some ideas and help. Always remember - take baby steps when going through change. The mind and body like to be introduced to new ideas slowly and easily. And I pray God will show you a way to get off the meds, in a way that won't hurt you or your family.

Hi chelle,
Angela offers some awesome advice, we are lucky to have her.
It might not even occur to me to wean off something rather than just plain discontinue!!

It is very hard to know what God wants i totally empathize with u, but if u cut responsibly u can always go back on.

I have no idea if marijuana would cause bipolar symptoms, maybe when one comes down?

anyway one of the hardest things for me is trying to figure out what God wants me to do. I ask in prayer and know now (didn't used to know) that no matter what way I choose the cool thing is God goes with us.
Takes a lot of pressure of. god Bless you on whatever road u take and may he give u the strength needed for the job : )

I just quit some meds a few years ago, and I was lucky I had a good friend who was a nurse.
Angela's advice sounds good to me.
I'm praying for you that God will guide you to all the right decisions and make you well.

Thank you all so much for your wonderful advice. It is much taken to my heart. I feel that God is trying to pull me closer too, Angela. You are ever wise. Thanks for being you and allowing God to use you to help us. I look forward to getting to know you other ladies. Alisa...........thanks for reminding me that there is always two roads and that God will be with me no matter what. Hugs to you all.