Alternative Bipolar Treatment
A Mindfulness Approach

Elements of an Alternative Bipolar Treatment:

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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. I have found this to be one of the most important coping tools to offer in alternative bipolar treatment.
• 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)
• Medical lab testing for heavy metal toxicity, such as Mercury.
  Read this article about the chronic bipolar symptoms that can be caused by mercury toxicity: Bipolar Disorder: A possible dental connection By Dr. Gerald H. Smith
• Emphasis on getting adequate and regular sleep each night.
• Learning to manage stress, and eating healthy and adequate food.
• A thorough physical evaluation to rule out other medical issues causing bipolar symptoms - including testing for Testosterone levels, Thyroid and other hormonal imbalances.
• 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) is one of the most useful and important vitamins for optimum health. Studies have found Vitamin D deficiency in a significant number of people with depression, and therefor is included in this lis. Some experts suggest 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. (It is recommended to take adequate Vitamin K2 and Magnesium when using Vitamin D3, as they are important co-factors). Please refer to the Vitamin D Council website for the latest research and recommendations of this important vitamin.

• Other important minerals that may have benefits for mood stabilization and neurological health include Magnesium, Manganese, Calcium, and Zinc.

  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.

  When taking any vitamin or mineral supplement, please check first with your doctor to ensure the supplements aren't going to interfere or interact with your existing medications. At certain levels some minerals may cause unintended or potentially harmful side effects when combined with certain medications. Talk to your doctor first to be certain.

• 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

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Before trying an Alternative Bipolar Treatment, Learn About Bipolar Symptoms

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Bipolar Recovery Coaching

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

Utilizing the best aspects of Alternative Bipolar Treatment 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

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Video Sessions Now Available -
Anywhere in the World

Learn about the Bipolar Recovery Coaching Program

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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.

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Learn about my Bipolar Recovery Coaching progam

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The Truth about Bipolar Disorder

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Prior to the arrival of psychiatric medications in the 1950's, the prevalence of Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) was about 1 out of 20,000 to 50,000 people. Today some estimates are that 5% or even more are Bipolar, or within the "Bipolar Spectrum." That means 5 out of 100 people! Why is this??

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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, or manic-depressive illness, causes dramatic mood swings—from overly "high" and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression, and each has distinct signs and symptoms.

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.

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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

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Alternative Bipolar Treatment

Alternative bipolar treatment is a holistic approach, utilizing both traditional and alternative methods. Bipolar Disorder is very difficult to treat effectively. Although some people find medications to be effective in helping them to maintain a stable mood, this is not the case for many, especially over the long term. Even when treated with psychiatric medications, many people suffering from bipolar disorder often have an up hill battle just to feel a sense of stability and normalcy. Most people taking psychiatric medications experience a wide variety of unpleasant side effects. An alternative bipolar treatment should include any method that works, not necessarily excluding, nor limiting treatment to psychiatric medications.

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According to research by Jonathan Himmelhoch from the University of Pittsburgh, manic relapse is readily triggered by Lithium withdrawal, and according to UK Psychiatrist Joanna Moncrieff, bipolar patients who discontinue taking Lithium end up "worse than if they had never had any drug 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.

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The fact is, for many people in treatment for Bipolar disorder, medications are unpleasant and mind-altering. I've seen people who continue to have severe depression, anxiety, rapid cycling and even require psychiatric hospitalizations while taking their medications as instructed.

Many people who take these medications feel a sort of "wet blanket" effect, a constriction of their mood and personality, lower energy, a loss of passion and creativity, and a feeling of disconnection from their feelings and from others. THIS IS NOT THE CASE FOR EVERYONE, but I have heard these complaints from my clients for years.

List of Common Lithium Side Effects

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). The most important thing of course, is staying safe without being in a "chemical straight jacket."

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.

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Prior to the era of psychiatric medication treatment that started with Lithium in the 1950's, Bipolar Disorder was very rare: between 1 in 5,000 to 1 in 20,000 people had the disorder; Today, since the widespread use of psychiatric medications, 1 in 20 to 1 in 50 people are diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. [Anatomy of an Epidemic, by Robert Whitaker, 2010]

Is anyone paying attention?

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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.