Alternative Bipolar Treatment
A Mindfulness Approach

Elements of an Alternative Bipolar Treatment:

An alternative bipolar treatment should include....

• Psychotherapy that teaches a deep understanding of Bipolar Disorder, and teaches skills for preventing, managing and minimizing mood swings.
• Meridian Tapping or EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and other Energy Psychology techniques for decreasing stress, anxiety, trauma and other triggers that contribute to mood swings.
• Therapy work focused on deep and complete self-acceptance and compassion as well as self-discipline.
• Identification and/or creation of a circle of supportive friends, family, co-workers, and professionals.
• Family therapy can be extremely helpful.
• An emphasis on mindfulness training : working towards increasing self-awareness, mind-body awareness, and recognizing limitations.
• Use of a Mood Chart to record mood level and sleep each day. Download a free Mood Chart here.
• Learning to find balance in work and play, social time, and time alone without guilt.
• Learning to recognize the signs of an impending crisis, and emotional and environmental triggers:
  Print and Complete the Bipolar Safety Plan Worksheet.
• Cognitive Behavioral interventions (learning to recognize distorted thinking and its relationship to emotional states.)
• Meditation that is safe and effective for Bipolar Disorder - VERY IMPORTANT! (Guided Meditation Audio Available)
• Emphasis on getting adequate and regular sleep each night.
• Learning to manage stress, and eating healthy and adequate food.
• Limiting consumption of sugar and caffeine, and abstinence from alcohol and recreational drugs.
• Eliminating preservatives, additives, artificial sweeteners (such as found in diet foods and soft drinks) - especially MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) and aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal).
• High quality nutritional supplements -- particularly, good sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. (Fish Oil is the most complete - containing both EPA and DHA, essential to optimum health, and brain functioning). {Natural antidepressants and stimulants may carry some risk of triggering mania, just like standard antidepressants can}
• B-Complex vitamins - Especially Vitamin B-12 as well as B6, and B9 (Folic Acid - or its natural form Folate).
• Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) at an average daily dose of 5,000 IUs (this is much much higher than the usual recommended daily allowance - which is insignificant and non-therapeutic at low levels, according to the information and studies provided by the scientifically based Vitamin D Council. Especially important if you don't get much direct mid-day sunshine.

  The most comprehensive and effective vitamin/mineral supplement that I've seen for Bipolar Disorder is EMPower Plus - available from an excellent company called TrueHope.

• Work on creative pursuits and expression (art, music, poetry, writing, dance, etc)
• Regular exercise including aerobic exercise 3x/week or more.
• Development and deepening of a spiritual path.
• Competent, thoughtful treatment by a Psychiatrist/Medical Doctor to manage psychiatric medications, or treatment by a licensed doctor of alternative medicine.
• One hour of direct, mid-day sunlight each day. (Some studies suggest that too much morning sun exposure can cause more rapid cycling, while mid-day sun has a positive effect on circadian rhythms).
• Minimizing or eliminating any light exposure during evening and night time hours. Learn more about Dark Therapy as an Alternative Bipolar Treatment

Bipolar Recovery Coaching

An individualized program to assist in your recovery from the
devastating symptoms of Bipolar Illness.

Utilizing the best Alternative Bipolar Treatments that I know.

Bipolar Disorder need not be a life-sentence!

"Before starting treatment with Ben, I was at my wits end. My life was disintegrating, and I was very close to driving away the most important people in my life for good. I knew I desperately needed help, but I also knew the standard treatment options being offered were not for me. Therapists and psychiatrists alike said medication was absolutely necessary to regain stability, while something in my gut said just the opposite. I knew there had to be another way to wellness.

Fortunately, in searching for an alternative approach, I found Ben's site. Shortly after starting the steps in his Alternative Bipolar Treatment Plan, I began weekly therapy and EFT coaching sessions with Ben. In the six months since, he has helped me completely change my way of being in the world. I've rediscovered what it means to enjoy my life. My days are once again relatively peaceful, and I no longer live in constant fear of lapsing into another violent episode of mania or depression. There is still work to do, but I now feel confident in my ability to stay on track.

Simply put, Ben is an extremely gifted therapist with an unbelievable ability to get to the heart of the matter using EFT - and he is an expert at providing guidance for bipolar people. He has helped me resolve issues that were unresolved in years of standard talk therapy; many of which were huge triggers for me, making resolution crucial to building a foundation of stability. He listens, he gives his gentle input and guidance, and he helps you develop the tools and knowledge to heal yourself. He is by far the most accessible and transformational therapist I have ever dealt with. Whether you are at your wits end because standard treatment is not helping you, or you are newly diagnosed and looking for an alternative approach, do yourself a favor and give Ben a call. I will be forever thankful that I did just that (and for what it's worth, my sessions are remote, as I couldn't find anyone supporting an alternative treatment approach locally - this has not diminished my results one bit!)"

-Bipolar Recovery Coaching Client, 2010

Video Sessions Now Available -
Anywhere in the World

Learn about the Bipolar Recovery Coaching Program

Instant Download Available Now!

NEW EFT/Meridian Tapping eBOOK!
Tapping Into Joy: Meridian Tapping and Mindfulness for Depression

With bonus Tap-Along Audio Book and Full-length Guided Meditation Audio

A 96-Page guide to lead you out of the darkness of depression and into the light of your own True Self.

Learn to use Meridian Tapping/EFT for your own self-healing from
Depression, Anxiety, Trauma and Stress.
Step by Step instructions from the basics to the
subtle art of getting powerful results quickly, even with complex issues.

An important aspect of Alternative Bipolar Treatment

Guided Meditations for Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Insomnia:

Audio Downloads Available Here

EFT/Meridian Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is the most effective method I have found for quickly resolving emotional traumas and emotionally based physical problems, such as chronic pain, headaches, back pain, and chronic injuries; Depression, Anxiety and Stress related disorders can usually be quickly and permanently alleviated through the proper use of EFT/Meridian Tapping.

Basic instructions for the EFT technique can be found right here, if you want to get started right away with EFT as an alternative bipolar treatment. More extensive information and case studies can be found at World Center for EFT website.

Learn about my Bipolar Recovery Coaching progam

The Truth about Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder affects people of all races, ages and backgrounds. Bipolar disorder typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood. However, some people have their first symptoms during childhood, and some develop them late in life. It is often not recognized as an illness, and people may suffer for years before it is properly diagnosed and treated. Bipolar disorder is normally viewed by mainstream psychiatry as a "long-term, chronic illness" that must be carefully managed throughout a person's life, and will require a lifetime of medication dependence.

I have come to believe that recovery is possible with the use of alternative bipolar treatments, though this view is often strongly opposed by mainstream psychiatry and other mental health professionals.

In my experience, symptoms can be minimized through psychotherapy, taking responsibility for your health and giving optimal support to the body, mind and spirit. Your self-care should include proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, and an ongoing discipline of learning to live mindfully. An alternative bipolar treatment is not a "magic bullet" approach, but a comprehensive model of wellness on all levels.

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a potentially life-threatening and often devastating illness. The intense mood states and deep depression of bipolar disorder are something that few people can relate to. This overwhelming emotional and psychic suffering often leads to relationship difficulties, loss of careers, financial ruin, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicide. The stigma, the intolerance and ignorance of others, and the shame that results, increases the suffering greatly.

But Bipolar Disorder is not a death sentence, nor does it have anything to do with weakness or character defects. In fact, many people with Bipolar Disorder are naturally creative, innovative, and dynamic individuals. An alternative bipolar treatment addresses not only the management of the illness, but the emotional and spiritual needs of the individual.

To take an initial diagnostic screening for Bipolar Disorder, try this quick and easy questionnaire and share the results with your health provider or therapist: Bipolar Test

Alternative Bipolar Treatment

Prior to the invention and widespread use of Lithium and the other psychiatric medications that followed, approximately 75% - 90% of Bipolar patients had good long-term functional outcomes (meaning they returned to work and had a full, or nearly full recovery). Today, with the commonplace use of psychiatric medications, only 33% of Bipolar patients ever "recover" or return to a functional life.

The fact is, for the vast majority of those in treatment for Bipolar disorder, medications are unpleasant, mind-altering, and ultimately not terribly helpful. And most people who take these medications feel a sort of "wet blanket" effect, a constriction of their mood, lower energy, a loss of passion and creativity, and a feeling of disconnection from their feelings and from others.

The question that is rarely asked, is "how does one manage the illness with the least amount of disruption to the free flow of creative energy?"

Most mainstream treatments disregard this common concern. Alternative bipolar treatment regards the preservation of creativity and authenticity as important aspects of therapy.

Many of the most dynamic and influential figures in our history were afflicted by Bipolar Disorder (and produced great works of art, music and literature, without the restrictive effects of modern drugs).

Learn more about Famous People with Bipolar Disorder

The most common complaint for people taking medications such as Lithium, Valproic Acid, Lamotrigine, Tegretol, and other medications classified as "mood stabilizers," (many of these are actually anti-seizure medicines), is that they feel too slowed down, cloudy headed, or altered or "flat." I've heard many people say "it makes me feel like I'm not myself," or "I can't cry any more, even when I feel sad," or "since taking this medication I hardly ever laugh or smile anymore."

In the absence of any viable alternative bipolar treatment, treating professionals often feel helpless and unable to address these concerns. Others view this apparent "medication non-compliance" as an addiction to the manic high, and a resistance to being brought "down." While this is sometimes true, this is an insensitive and judgmental stance to take. Others who take these medications, who don't have bipolar disorder (such as those with seizure disorder), often complain about the same side effects.

Another big problem with many of the mood stabilizers is that they often cause weight gain. This is perhaps the biggest concern and most frequent complaint that I hear. Two common medications, Olanzapine (Zyprexa), an anti-manic/anti-psychotic medication can cause a great deal of weight gain, and Valproic Acid (Depakote) also can cause a lot of weight gain for some people. Many other mood stabilizers and anti-psychotic medications have similar side effects, and may cause changes in metabolism, lipid (fat) levels, and high blood sugar. I've seen quite a few people who have gained as much as 70 pounds in a matter of a few months on some of these medications.

Those who are more fortunate may have no unpleasant side effects and are able to function normally on these medications. Others, while making every effort to take their medications as their doctor has ordered, experience periodic manic or depressive episodes anyway.

An extensive review of the psychiatric research done over the past 40 years, reveals that over the long-term, outcomes are far worse for those who take psychiatric medications, as compared to those who have never taken them at all.

Is anyone paying attention?

Peter Breggin, MD, one of the foremost pioneers in courageously disclosing the truth about the dangers of psychiatric medications - particularly, antidepressants, testified before Congress in February 2010, to brief the Veteran's Affairs Department on the serious risks involved with antidepressant medications. His case is crystal clear, and further legitimizes the need for alternative bipolar treatment.

Dr. Peter Breggin's Testimony at Veterans Affairs Committee On "Antidepressant-Induced Suicide, Violence and Mania: Implications for the Military" can be viewed in its entirety here: Peter Breggin, MD testifies on the dangers of Antidepressants.

Do I have to take medication for the rest of my life?

Studies suggest that, statistically, each time an episode occurs, it will be a shorter time before the next episode occurs, and they often increase in severity and duration.

But the long-term research now strongly suggests that this worsening of symptoms over time may not actually due to the illness itself, but is actually exacerbated by the medications that are taken to treat it!

In my experience, those people receiving good alternative bipolar treatment that is holistic, ongoing and involving a good discipline of self-care, usually get better over time, while those who have no treatment or self-care discipline (of any kind) usually get worse over time. And those taking medication cocktails for years also tend to experience chronic difficulties, limitations and disability, on the whole. Long-term evidence is now strongly suggesting that being on psychiatric medications over a long period of time may actually have negative consequences for your mental and physical health, and even shorten your life expectancy significantly.

There has never been a more important time for us to explore alternative bipolar treatments.

It has long been known that antidepressants are one of the leading triggers for a manic episode. Not only a trigger for a one-time episode, but often the beginning of a chronic, long-lasting pattern of rapid cycling moods, even after the antidepressant is discontinued. A person who has never had any noticeable symptoms of Bipolar Disorder is often diagnosed and treated for this "chronic illness" after the use of an antidepressant.

Despite this fact, doctors commonly prescribe antidepressants to those diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, in an attempt to treat the depressive side of the illness - albeit usually along with the countering effect of other medications, such as "mood stabilizers" and antipsychotic ("anti-manic") medications.

While some people may decide that they need a maintenance dose of medication throughout their lives, others find that with alternative bipolar treatment they can eventually be medication free. This approach requires an impeccable commitment to living a healthy and balanced lifestyle, to have a good support system, and a safety plan including easy access to medical treatment if and when the need arises. Individual therapy and a Bipolar support group are extremely helpful in maintaining stability, and I strongly recommend a therapy approach that includes Energy Psychology, such as EFT, that can provide rapid and direct relief of stress and trauma, balance energy ("Prana" or "Chi"), and directly resolve subconscious level beliefs, emotions and internal conflicts that contribute to self-sabotage and self-defeating behaviors.

Daily practices such as Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Gung, and meditation can also be enormously beneficial.

For a first person account of someone living well and medication-free with Bipolar Disorder, using many of the alternative bipolar treatment approaches that I advocate - check out my friend Jay Busemeyer's website: HolisticStressRelief.com

Are there Alternative Medicines or Supplements that Really Work for Bipolar Disorder?

This is one of the most frequent questions I am asked by people diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Up until a few years ago, I would have always said, "supplements can help, but they will not eliminate all your symptoms, and you will most likely have to accept the need for some medications - probably for the rest of your life." I now whole-heartedly disagree with that statement and have seen that a "Recovery" model of health and healing is far superior to a "Manage-your-Chronic-Mental-Illness-with-Pharmaceuticals" approach to getting well. Pharmaceuticals may suppress symptoms for a time, but they do not make anyone "well."

Those who try to put together their own program of nutritional and orthomolecular (vitamin/mineral) supplementation for treating themselves, often have a very difficult time of it, although I have seen some people do well with it. Until recently I had never found an all inclusive supplement that could be used for mood stabilization, but I am happy to now tell you that I've seen some surprising and extremely encouraging results from a supplement called "EmPower Plus" from a Canadian company called TrueHope. Some of my clients have successfully transitioned from a heavily medicated approach, to this alternative bipolar treatment, and had exceptional results.

Read more about my client's experiences with TrueHope

If you are interested in alternative bipolar treatment, I can't recommend this supplement highly enough:

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Looking for a coach or therapist who is supportive of alternative bipolar treatment
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Learn more about Ben Schwarcz, MFT.

Santa Rosa Bipolar Support Group

Alternative Bipolar Treatment

A Mindfulness-Based Therapy Group

DISCLAIMER: This website may serve as a depression self-help tool, but the use of this information does not constitute a therapist/client relationship and should not serve as a means of self-diagnosis or a substitution for actual psychotherapy. The alternative bipolar treatment information on this site is for informational purposes only. If you are experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder or depression it is advised that you see your doctor or therapist for an evaluation. If you are having active thoughts of suicide please call either 1-800-SUICIDE, 911, or visit SuicideHotlines.com

You can also find a list of various Helplines and Hotlines Here

Alternative Bipolar Treatment, copyright 2010, Ben Schwarcz, MFT