I'm bipolar and in a depression but can't afford my meds. Know any natural remedies to help?
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I too suffer from bi-polar and I am sorry that you can not get the medicine you need.It is bad enough that we have to suffer with this along with the fact of having to worry about getting the medicine's we need.Vitamins you can take that may help are folic acid..B-12..but check with your doctor on the B-12 dosage because I heard to much can trigger a manic episode..Omega 3 found in fish oil and flaxseed oil can help..I think they have an omega 3 vitamin..If not I know they have a fish oil vitamin..I Hope you can ask your doctor and maybe he can give you some samples of the medication you need..Tell him you just can't afford it.Here is a site they mat give you more help..www.bipolarworld.com..I hope this helps you some..I feel you and I will be praying for you..You hang in there..We are fighters of a very bad disease but we have to keep on keeping on..God Bless You.
Marijuana. It's natural, but then again it's not necessarily any cheaper than the "legal" meds.
St. johns wart is an herb that is a mild antidepressant. also staying physically fit helps too
I am sorry to hear of this situation. My advice would be to contact a social service agency in order to get help to get your meds. Sometimes the pill companies have programs that your dr. can set you up with to get your meds . I would try calling a local pharmacy and asking do they know of any agencies that help people get there medicine.
Please contact your Community Mental Health! They will provide you with your meds and treatment for no or little cost. Check with your county health department-it is a county agency.
Hang in there and good luck!
There are no good "natural" meds for bipolar disorder and some of these things may be more expensive than generic medications. Some drug companies can supply you with medications. Ask your doctor's office for help or your local health agencies for persons with financial problems.
nope, i am bipolar as well and in the same predicament. ive been cutting my pills in half and still am running out before i can afford them. depending on the severity of your condition there may be some things to EASE your symptoms but will not work like meds. i dont care what tom cruise or any of the yahoos on yahoo say, dont screw with it, its your life not theirs. theyre not the ones who have to cope. my best friends wife is bipolar as well and believes in the natural cures, but everyone around her and she suffers as a result. maybe try to get cheaper meds and cut them in half to make them last. talk to your doc about celexa it works well for me. email me if you want to discuss further.
That is really tough. If you are bi-polar, then you really need your meds if at all possible! But I know from my own experience with my bi-polar wife that it is very hard. We find that it is expensive and costs us a couple hundred dollars a month WITH health insurance! Do the best you can to get the meds when you can, but in the meantime, I suggest exercise. Exercise releases endorphins and other chemicals in your brain that help stablize your moods. Try to get at least a half hour of exercise a day, at least five days a week, and make it good exercise! You need to get your heart pumping! Jog, run, do jumping jacks, play tennis, try aerobics... whatever you can do. It won't cure you, but it will be a big help. Try to get into the doctor for some other suggestions as well. Good luck, and hang in there!
Please don't try "natural" remedies. If there was any conclusive proof that they worked then we would all be on them. If you can not afford your meds then you need to contact your local mental health society. Look in the yellow pages and also check to see if there are any locally sponsored mental health facilities in your area.
If you can't work because of your condition, then seek info on going on Social Security Disability. That way, you will qualify for both Medicare & Medicaid & you'll be enrolled in a prescription plan that best suits your situation. If you do work, ask your doctor where you can get your meds for free (clinic?) or at a discount. I know of no natural remedy to treat bipolar/depression.
Hi --
there are resources for medications (free).
you can check with your doctor or clinic about samples or grants for free medications. there are sometimes programs/ grants for people who can't afford their meds...
you can also check with the pharmaceutical companies who manufacture your medications. some provide low cost medications ($5) for people who qualify. go to their websites and check to see if this is offered.
there are also mental health clinics who help people with low incomes... again through the use of grants. if your doctor doesn't participate in these programs (ask his business office), you might consider doing your homework and calling around to find out what clinics or doctors DO participate (such as the county mental health clinic?).
my doctor told me that a dose of 6,000 mg of Omega 3's a day helps with depression after taken for a while. i asked before. i'm bipolar.
i'm also 50, and my symptoms seem to have quelled, except for the depression. very rarely manic, and only mild bouts these days.
hugs
mental health forum listed below -- nice, caring group, all ages... supportive. if you're interested.
U need to check out your local agencies for help with your meds. Any free clinics etc. call your human services because there is not a natural remedies that do not cost money as well and they do not work as well as your prescribed meds do. I have a sister with bipolar and I have told her the same thing. If your meds are working for you then you need to make them a Priority a must. Look around for financial help, sometimes even churches will help you out but leave no stone unturned.
You can try all you want It wont work. Bipolar comes in stages? Sunshine,music,talking to other seems to help but MaryJ only make the manic part worse. Get Outside,
Hi, I am sorry to hear you can't afford your medications. I am sure you are aware bipolar is a serious disorder and treatment is needed. I would try contacting your local county to see if you qualify for medical services to see if you can get your medical care and medications funded. If you do not qualify for services you can look in your area for a herbologist and usually they can be found in a local health food store or the health food store may be able to help you locate one. Herbs can be just as costly as medication and you have to ensure you continue seeing your practicioner or psychiatrist because you should not stop taking current medications you will need to reduce your dosage prior to terminating all medication use or you can suffer serious side affects. Also your physician or psychiatrist may be able to provide a more affordable medication if they are aware you can't afford the current medications. Communication with your current physician or psychiatrist is important they are there to help you and they might be able to recommend financial resources for helping pay for your medication and treatment as well and this is what I recommend first.
CARDIO EXERCISE
My depressive nature (family of manic depressives) is helped greatly by regular cardio (in addition to prescription meds). I do 45 minutes of cardio followed by 15 minutes of floor/abdominal work at least three times a week and try to be active and walk on the days I'm not at the gym. If I miss my gym days I notice I'm much crankier. If I can work in a yoga class at least once a week as well, my mental state is improved. Might sound hokey, but there's an endorphin release after cardio and yoga that promotes your sense of well being. You feel stronger in both body and mind.
You might also want to try meditation. It's relaxing, centering, rejuvenating and makes you more calm especially if you use a positive, uplifting mantra.
Keep looking for ways to get your meds as well. If you're low income you might want to check out the prescription assistance program. If you meet their criteria you can get your meds for $10/month. Here's a link:
http://www.freemedicinefoundation.com/ap...
I really wish you the best of luck!!
i have no answer for your question . i'm sorry.
i just want to voice my displeasure with the way the medical profession is, these days.
i read ,on here, about so many ppl that don't have decent health care and really suffer because of it.
i don't know what i'd do if i couldn't take my meds on a regular basis. prolly go out and punch my mailman, and i don't even have anything against him.
can you apply for a 'husky program'(that's a ct one..but you get my drift) or some other state funded option? back when i was on the husky program, it completely covered prescriptions.
try the (State or City)welfare office. you can get accepted on medical , without being on the whole shebang. you DESERVE good medical attention, including being able to keep up on taking your meds. WE ALL DO. i think it really sux that you're even having this issue.
i hope you'll look into assistance, if you haven't already.
Good Luck to You.
~Laurie
ps.. smoke a doobie? ; )
Depression is a mental state in which you feel emotions that range from chronic sadness to despair. It often makes you unable to feel joy. Physical imbalances in the brain chemistry is most often the cause so you may need professional advice to help you deal with it.
In a 2006 study, British researchers wrote that aromatherapy is used worldwide for the management of depression, anxiety, insomnia and some related disorders. The authors stated that aromatherapy "appears to be without the adverse effects of many conventional pschotropic drugs."
The citrus scents of orange, bergamot, Ylang Ylang, lemon, and melissa act as antidepressants. So does the fragrance of chamomile, lavender, and rose. Choose any aromatherapy method that works for you, such as inhalation, rubbing on the skin or ingestion.
For a permanent solution, seek a complete holistic approach, including relaxation techniques, counseling, a wholesome diet, and exercise are all good ideas. Herbal antidepressants, such as St. John's wort help ease some kinds of depression.
Hope this helps. Best wishes. .
Try Natrol 5-HTP. Is there a Walmart where you are? They have a list online of what meds they have that are $4 for a month's supply. I made a list of the ones for depression and showed them to my doc.
hmm. i know sumone just like u... the thign that u need to do is get health care or sumthing and stay out of the house i mean get out and talk to people... socialize with people and have fun.. when ever u have depression, think of all the good stuff in ur life and stay busy... that really helps...go to ur doctor and tell him about ur problem and thoughts... maybe he can get u sum help..they might take u to a mental center if u do sumthing extreme... so keep away from that...go to doctor and maybe he knows sum way to get medicines. anyway, keep ur self occupied, get a job or sumthing..and have a nice day! go to the park and take a walk or sumthing...think positive! take care *LUVS* mishi
Walking for 30 minutes a day is supposed to do wonders for depression. Also try eating a little bit of dark chocolate...it is supposed to help as well.
You should talk to your doctor or whoever would prescribe you medication. Sometimes drug companies have programs that provide free medication to people who are older or can not afford their medication. You would want to speak to a physician though to see how you can get approved for these programs. I would not try natural cures, the only thing that has ever worked for me is the real stuff.
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