Bipolar disorder aka manic depression is a psychiatric condition characterized by alternate experiences of depression symptoms and the symptoms of mania. Depression, of source, is clinically significant sadness and lethargy, while mania is just the opposite. Someone experiencing a manic episode will feel so full of energy and motivation that they may be hard to understand–they fly from one idea to the next and often act impulsively.
The standard bipolar depression treatment involves mood-stabilizing medication supplements such as lithium or seroquel. These medical health supplements can be extremely helpful for many bipolar disorder patients, but they can also bring with them a whole host of unwanted side effects. Additionally, it is often difficult to get these patients to continue taking their medical health supplements consistently. This is a normal part of the illness, because the patient will usually gladly take their medication supplements during a depressive phase, but then will start to feel “better” as the next manic phase sets in. The impulsivity of the hypmanic or hypermanic state of mind causes them to stop taking their medication, thereby inducing a full-blown manic episode.
There are some natural treatments for bipolar depression, however, that can be used alone or in conjunction with medication to help end this cycle of depression and mania. Chief among these natural treatments is psychotherapy. A well-trained and experienced therapist can help manic depression patients to make changes to their own internal processing systems that will help them to change their brain chemistry naturally. Let’s discuss these natural treatments further below.
Natural Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
Natural Treatment#1: Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is the chief natural treatment for bipolar disorder. This natural treatment form of therapy can be extremely useful in helping you manage Bipolar Disorder. A psychologist may help uncover the triggers of bipolar episodes such as high stress or too little sleep, or may assist in changing certain behaviors during manic or depressive states.
Natural Treatment #2: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Some doctors may recommend ECT as a part of the natural treatment for Bipolar Disorder. This controversial natural treatment has been used with an 80% success rate in temporarily relieving the symptoms of bipolar and major depression. The procedure of this natural treatment involves the administering of a muscle relaxant and short-acting anesthetic followed by a small shock of electricity sent to the brain which causes a generalized seizure that lasts for about 40 seconds. This natural treatment is often considered useful for those individuals that fail to respond to drug health supplement treatments or are unable to use the medication health supplements prescribed, such as pregnant woman, those that suffer adverse drug health supplement side-effects, or individuals that need immediate relief from symptoms. While the response rate to this natural treatment is usually very fast, most studies show that it only has a short-term effect and should only be used for immediate relief from a severe bipolar episode. As with other natural treatment options, it is important to research all the precautions and possible side-effects of ECT. Memory loss has been implicated as a serious side-effect and has made ECT a controversial issue.
Natural Treatment #3: Natural Herbal Remedies and Homeopathic Remedies
Because Bipolar Disorder generally requires conventional drug health supplements for treatment, caution should be exercised when combining the two as there are certain natural herbal remedies for bipolar disorder which may be incompatible with the psychiatric drug health supplements.
Natural herbal remedies for bipolar disorder should feature which are generally safe to use along with psychiatric drug health supplements for Bipolar Disorder include Passiflora incarnata and Lavender. Biochemic Tissue Salts such as Natrium sulphate, Kalium phosphate and Natrium phosphate can also be used as natural herbal remedies for bipolar disorder since they have a calming and restorative effect on the nervous system and help to balance mood and prevent mood swings. Homeopathic natural remedies such as Tarentula and Hyoscyamus can also be very helpful and may safely be used together with psychiatric medication without adverse effect.
Of course do consult a homeopathic or naturopathic doctor for advice first, especially when other chronic medications are also in use.
Recommended Supplements to Take
The following supplements are know to aid in the fight against Bipolar Disorder. Keep in mind that not every nutrient or supplement you swallow is absorbed by your body! Please read carefully the tab on the top of this page called HEALTH RESOURCES! It will explain to you why it is important to take the right supplements and nutrients. Our recommendations below we feel will give you the best possible nutrients and supplements on the market!
Essential Nutrients and Herbs to Take:
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Passion Flower Powder 4 oz. |
Please check with your doctor before taking any supplements, and also read the warning labels on each product, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In addition, read the labels carefully when giving your child any natural supplement, to ensure that it is safe to give a child.
