Bipolar Disorder without Medication

My nephew, David, has written this testimony, in several parts, of living with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and coming off the medication to treat it.  He is sharing this testimony with a sincere desire to "help others learn how to tap into who they truly are without having to suppress their true selves with medication." David and his wife, Jade, would appreciate hearing from you.  They may be contacted through me by posting comments at the end of the articles. 

Bipolar Disorder without Medication

My name is David. I am 34 years old, living with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.  For many years, I was prescribed Lithium Carbonate, as well as other psychotropic medications, and was told by my doctors that I must take some sort of medication for the rest of my life. However, I have not taken any medication for bipolar disorder for over two and a half years, since April 13 of 2009. I am writing in the hope of reaching those who suffer with mental illness or diagnoses of mental illness and are trying to get off of medication and also those who are supporting someone trying to live with mental illness without medication.

I know from experience that it is of critical importance to have a support network in place,

with people who believe you have the ability to come off of medication. I credit God and the

support network that He has provided for me, with my wife, Jade, as a crucial link, in helping

me to live healthily and happily without medication. April 13, 2009 was not only the day I

came off medication, but also the day that Jade and I became engaged. It is not a coincidence

that both of these events occurred on the same day. Jade has been a great support in my

getting off of medication for bipolar disorder.

Before I met Jade, the only support I had in my decision not to take the medication was from a pastor, his mentor, and a rare psychologist in New York City who believes in treating bipolar disorder without medication, Dr. Eric Riss. It was difficult to get off of the medication with only these three people supporting me in the decision, especially since many people who were close to me believed I could not function without these drugs.

Having people in my life who strongly believed that I would have to remain on the drugs for the rest of my life made it difficult for me to have the confidence I needed to get off the medication. When I was trying to come off, some people in my life would become nervous when I acted out of the ordinary, and would insist that I take the medication. Constantly having this kind of feedback in my

life meant that when I began to get discouraged, I would believe their fears over my own

convictions, and I would return to the medication as an answer to my problems. I found that I

needed to find people who supported my decision and had the patience to help me through my

transition. Once I was in a stronger place of encouragement, I could meet the skepticism with

confidence and peace.

Next: The Decision to Come off of Medication and the Benefits it has Reaped