some alternative ideas....bipolarbipolar.tribe.net link
 

Bipolar

public - created 10/09/03
For bipolar & manic-depressive people and our family, friends and allies, to chat, get information, resources and support. Welcome!

This tribe takes no "official" position on therapy approach. However, two users here, "One Girl Revolution" and "The Right Rev R" have introduced many of us to their holistic approach. Because holistic care is such a popular topic of discussion for newcomers, I'm including some info here:

"Omega-3 fish oils: Trader Joe's brand is best if buying retail. Otherwise spend the extra on either OmegaBrite or Dr. Sears brand. The optimum dosage for people treating manic depression is 4-6 grams per day of the EPA (eicosopentanoic acid) to 2-3 grams of DHA (docosahexanoic acid) per day.

Sublingual B-12: The main reason for getting sublingual and not regular supplements is that people with depression have been found to be unable to metabolize B-12 in their digestive systems. Optimum doseage for depression is 1000 mcg per day. The best kind also includes folic acid and B-6, the other two compounds found to be deficient in people with chronic depression.

Dr. Bach's Rescue Remedy: This one is something OGR and I can't live without. It helps us get through bouts of extreme anxiety or "panic manic" better than anything else. It can also be purchased under other names, like Five Flower Formula from Flower Essence Service in Nevada, but look for the reference to the original formula by Dr. Edward Bach on the label.

Note: Bear this in mind, ALL OF YOU, for the love God! Being bipolar means that even if you're taking Rx meds, no meds, supplements or simply self medicating with alcohol, coffee and cigarettes you will still get depressed or manic occasionally. The things that OGR and I suggest MAY help you cope better but you will still have good days and bad days. Support of family, friends and, yes, even doctors is invaluable, important and irreplaceable. This tribe has been an important part of our support system and I'm glad that you're all out there." -The Right Rev R

[One Girl Revolution has also suggested 10-20 minutes of intense excercise daily.] http://bipolarbipolar.tribe.nethttp://images.tribe.net/tribe/images/xml.gif http://images.tribe.net/tribe/images/icon_beta.jpg