If the traditional methods for treating bipolar disorder don’t work for you there are also various bipolar alternative treatments available. It’s important to note however, that should you be looking at alternative therapies do not abandon your current medication. Alternative treatments are ideal when working together with your medication and could ultimately lead to a reduction in the doses of your powerful medication. The following complementary therapeutic tips, home remedies and alternative treatments have been found to be useful to many people:
Sufficient sleep – this is really very simple but it’s impact can be greatest in terms of combating bipolar disorders. Regulating your sleep is important. Lack of sleep is normally an indication of an upcoming manic cycle while over-sleeping can be an indication of depression so finding a middle ground is of paramount importance.
Reduce stress – undertaking exercise or taking part in hobbies you enjoy can help. As can breathing exercises and visualization techniques (imagining yourself somewhere peaceful and quiet should help).
Meditation – this seems to help many people suffering from bipolar ii symptoms as well as bipolar I. Two techniques said to be particularly beneficial are mindfulness meditation and motionless meditation. This hasn’t been scientifically proven to work to combat bipolar so give it a try and see if it works for you.
Self-awareness – this is an important tool for any sufferer. By being self-aware one can distinguish between the symptoms of bipolar and other issues. By finding self-awareness you can concentrate on other issues in your life to get yourself into more of a normal routine and lifestyle.
Coffee Cruda homeopathic remedy – for those having trouble sleeping, this treatment is very effective with excellent feedback from users. Despite having the word coffee in it this truly is for insomnia plus it has no side effects.
Massage therapy – this works by releasing the bipolar suffers tension by rubbing and kneading their body thus relieving stress.
Light therapy – also known as phototherapy/light box therapy. This involves getting exposed to full-spectrum bright lights directly onto the eyes. Sessions range from 30 minutes to two hours depending on the severity of the case and the light strength exposed to.
Yoga – as yoga teaches breathing and relaxation techniques it should help combat depression. For those of a religious nature chanting may also help.
Change of diet – this is one of the main natural remedies. For someone who has given into a lifestyle of eating unhealthily breaking the habit can be difficult. Many specialists recommend certain types of vitamins, minerals and herbs to treat ones depression or anxiety.
Eliminating alcohol – it is believed that between 30%-60% of individuals with bipolar disorder also have issues with substance abuse and alcoholism. It goes without saying that eliminating these harmful substances should help somewhat towards fighting your cycles of depression.
These alternative bipolar treatments can be a good addition to your prescribed medications but not as a replacement. It’s also important to notify your doctor which treatments you are using or are thinking of using. This is so that the doctor can tell you if the bipolar alternative treatment interacts negatively with your medication.