Alternative Treatments For Bipolar Disorder

by L.S.
(Portland, OR, USA)

There are many treatments available for those suffering with bipolar disorder but one area that is commonly overlooked is the realm of alternative therapies.

After being diagnosed in 2004 with Type 1 Bipolar disorder I began to seek out these alternative therapies and I have discovered a conglomeration of treatments that has helped me to lead a stable and successful life without traditional medications.

One of the most significant thing I found out was that India, Ethiopia, and Nigeria have very high cure rates for mental illnesses. Scientists have studied this phenomenon and found that in tribal village settings people suffering from mental illness such as bipolar disorder and scizophrenia were able to be cured due to the traditional alternative healing practices being applied. One major aspect of these healing practices is positive thinking. In these village cultures a sick person is not seen as having a lifelong illness but rather mental illness is seen as something that just happens and can be healed. People do not stigmatize you and treat you differently, they simply treat you as if you will get better soon.

This is were I began on my own treatment, I studied affirmations, positive thinking, and mantras. These practices have significantly helped in adjusting distorted thinking patterns that have long held me back.

Next I dove into acupuncture, and this had an incredible effect. Especially during manic and hypomanic episodes, a 30 minute acupuncture treatment can bring a sense of stability and calm to anyone.

The other most significant treatment I have adopted is a change in diet, to a vegetarian and gluten free program. Not only has this made me feel and look healthier but also has increased my energy, abilities, and self esteem. This increase in energy and self esteem has all but eliminated depressive episodes from my life. In addition, to top off this program of alternative therapies I take a significant amount of vitamins. Most notable B Complex vitamins, fish oil, and several multivitamins. All in all I have found these treatments cost effective and they have changed my life for the better.