I Need My Medication – Do You?

*Photo by Polina Tankilevitch

I mainly advocate for bipolar disorder on X (formerly Twitter). I have all kinds of discussions and interactions each day. Recently, I discussed with a gentleman about the use of medication in the management of bipolar disorder. That is what I’d like to talk about today.

“I Don’t Need Medication”

That is what I quickly learned about this individual. He told me, paraphrased, that he didn’t need medication. In his next breath, he said I didn’t either and neither does anyone else. He went on to bash modern medicine, specifically psychiatry. This is familiar territory for me because I’ve dealt with many people throughout the years who support this anti-psychiatry movement. 

I didn’t want to get into a huge argument about why I need medication. I’ve gone down that road before and it doesn’t lead anywhere except to hard feelings. However, I would like to share my reasons why I have to be on medication. Remember though, this is based on my lived experience. I’m not a medical professional and I don’t pretend to be.

I Need My Medication

When I was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, my doctor made it extremely clear I needed to take my medication regularly. The pharmacological intervention brought me down from my mania very quickly. You would have thought that I learned the importance of taking my medication then and there. Unfortunately, it took a big kick in the butt to get my doctor’s point across.

Initially, I was extremely good at regularly taking my medication. Being so young, I was pretty naive about bipolar disorder. I didn’t know much about it until I was diagnosed.

I stopped taking my medication regularly and quickly went into a bipolar mood episode. Luckily for me, I had the support of an amazing group of medical professionals. I was hospitalized and would be hospitalized numerous times later throughout the years. However, I made it a goal to find a cocktail of medications that would allow me to function, so I could improve my quality of life. It took 10 years, but I finally got to a manageable spot.

Do I Need All Of My Medication?

Presently, as of this moment, I have been more stable than I have in a long time. In fact, this is the least amount of meds I’ve ever been on for bipolar disorder. Ever. Period.

I discussed this with my medication provider and she agreed to monitor me as I weaned down and off one of the meds. Unfortunately, my manic symptoms came flooding back within a couple of days. She quickly changed me back to my previous dose.

I’d love to not have to take medication daily but it is something I need to do to remain stable.

So, when I see people preaching to get off meds and that we do not need them, I see that as very dangerous territory. 

I’ve known many friends, acquaintances, and others who have gone off medication. Trust me when I say it is like throwing gasoline on a fire. Some of those I mentioned ended up being put in a psychiatric facility, others incarcerated, and still others lost their lives. See the danger in this anti-psychiatric line of thinking? 

I’m Not A Doctor

As I mentioned, I’ve had no medical training but I’ve been in the mental healthcare system for around 25 years as I write this article. In all that time, I’ve learned so much about treatment, coping skills, and how to survive.

That being said, I’d like to share a personal observation about the anti-psychiatry movement to maybe shed some light on things.

I can honestly say that those who profess not to need meds were misdiagnosed or do not have a mental illness-they went through a rough patch like we all do and came out the other side just fine.

I say that not as a jab to anyone but statistics show it can take close to 10 years to get the right diagnosis. Plus, a mental illness by definition impedes a person’s ability to function for life. If someone doesn’t need medication, was there really anything to treat in the first place?

I think it’s important to ask questions like that. Especially in this case because I am a strong advocate for the Western philosophy of treatment of bipolar disorder. I utilize the medical model as the foundation to my treatment plan and adopt so many new and innovative tools and strategies to manage each day.

There Is No Cure For Bipolar Disorder

This one always gets me. No matter what anyone says, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. I know they are working hard to find a cure, but we have to bet on what we have right now. 

I know the Internet is full of countless gurus who profess to know the cure for bipolar disorder, but we know there isn’t one. You’ll find that these gurus charge for you to find out this secret. It’s a pretty ingenious hustle if you aren’t aware of what is going on.

New Treatments For Bipolar Disorder

New medications are regularly coming out as well. These meds work on different pathways in the brain and have different side effect profiles. Having more options like this, increases our success in finding the right treatment. After all, just because a medication works for me doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you and vice versa. We are all biologically unique.

Last Thoughts

In this article, I spoke to you about a guy who supports the anti-psychiatry movement and what that means. 

The mission of The Bipolar Battle, Inc. is to empower those living with bipolar disorder and their loved ones. Part of empowerment is breaking down the wall of stigma. Help me do this by supporting the treatment of bipolar disorder, not the lack of it.

Lastly, I just want to make it clear the strong importance I put on taking my medication. 83 percent of all patients with bipolar disorder have a serious case. That means it is imperative to take a proactive role through the help of acceptance and healthy action.

I need my medication. Do you?