for some people, for some diagnoses it is certainly possible to reach a place of stability and management.
I've met people who have managed to manage their bipolar through creative activity, mindfulness and meditation. - they're not quite well enough to work because then all of the time spent on managing it via those methods would not be possible, but she certainly avoids crisis and hospital through those techniques without medications.
some people manage to recover from depression and anxiety without meds. Even PDs and eating disorders, and loads of stuff if they have the right info, support, sometimes therapy etc. It is certainly possible for some people, but not necessarily others.
I think it's a personal thing, and different for everybody. xx
It is definitely possible, but like others have said it is very much down to individual circumstance. But I would say that for the majority of mental health problems, there will be people who can cope or recover without needing medication. I certainly don't view that there are some diagnoses which will always need meds and some diagnoses which might not.
I think it can be possible, but only with a supportive network of friends, family and mental health professionals. I would definitely advocate therapy, coping skills, maybe some mindfulness.
Though medication can still have its place. If started it doesn't have to be lifelong if it's right for you only to take it for a short while as agreed by you and the doctors.
Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back, everything is different…
you once called your brain a hard drive, well say hello to the virus.
I think that yes there is certainly a lot of evidence to say that yes it is possible to recover without medication, but as others have said it can depend on the person and the condition.
My current diagnosis, although under review, is Borderline Personality Disorder, Generalised Anxiety Disorder and moderate depression. When I was first diagnosed I was told that there was little hope for me to recover without medication. However I can't take medication and for the most part I have been fine. I've also been discharged from Mental Health services for 3 years this month.
At the moment though I am having a wobble with my health (hence the review of my diagnosis) but am currently doing all I can avoid to have to take medication for it.
But, I have to say, going it alone is quite hard work and doesn't always work for everyone.
I'd be interested to know what the reason behind this question is.
Something I guess I don understand is why people are anti-meds. Sure you get some side effects but if I was willing to kill myself to escape the torment of my psychosis and depression a few side effects to escape it and still be here is a small price to pay in my view.
I don't understand when people aren't willing to try meds based on the rationale I just went through but I guess everyone is different.
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Remember: You're amazing for doing as well as you do every day.
I didn't say I was unwilling to take them, I asked if you could 'get better' without them.
Currently, every GP I have seen (all of them in the practice over the last couple of years) has consistently refused to prescribe meds. I guess I should be greatful that I don't have a 'mental health diagnosis' (for want of a better phrase), but I disagree and I don't know what to do about it. One GP did refer me to a psychiatrist after my mum kicked up a huge fuss but again, psychiatrist said "you don't need meds, your struggles are situational and to do with your dyspraxia rather than a "mental health problem". Which is true to a certain extent, in the sense that (with the exception of when I split up with my ex fiacee) I've never been "I want to stay in bed and not do anything" stage of depressed.
I just wondered what people's opinions were, because if I can "get better" without meds, then theres hope that all this will stop and I'll have a "normal" life again.
How old are you? If you're under 18 that might explain some of their reluctance to prescribe.
There is always hope and options for a more recovered life, whether you take medication or not. So please try not to feel hopeless or that things will be like this forever. However it does sound like you're in a lot of distress right now and could maybe do with seeing a doctor again as your problems are persisting.
Something I guess I don understand is why people are anti-meds. Sure you get some side effects but if I was willing to kill myself to escape the torment of my psychosis and depression a few side effects to escape it and still be here is a small price to pay in my view.
Just to say, I'm not anti-meds at all. I'm actually unable to take pretty much every type of anti depressant due to them triggering another medical condition I have which would then make my mental health a lot worse. In my case medication is actually a last resort due to this.
Poppy, have you thought about self referring to counselling? Or looking into into support from places like mind etc?
I have referred myself to counselling, yes. I recently split up with someone (which is partly what triggered this off) and after we split I referred myself to counselling. It hasn't really helped much so far, she's promised to teach me some relaxation techniques, something I would find helpful so I'll mention that at the start of the session next time I see her.
It's not necessarily that I think they'd help, I'm just willing to try anything at this point to try and move forwards.
