I'm not sure of the diagnosis that you were given but generally speaking, that isn't always advisable. These conditions don't go away and you're fine until you are not. I don't doubt you've had some great success in your approach. That is to be lauded. I would hasten to add, however, that for many of us, monkeying and elimination of meds simply won't yield good results. The insidious nature of conditions like bipolar steam roll over many mental abilities, not least the very reasoning process that makes distorted thinking seem normal. I'm a fan of successful strategies and sharing them but I say take a good, long, hard look at getting off medicines. Too many horror stories about those that have to suggest its a suitable alternative. Hypomania is great and most of us that have bipolar I suspect miss that being medicated. I sure do. But the switch to mania or the downturns are disastrous. The biochemistry MUST be regulated to keep from causing harm be it physical, social or to one's situation.

I’m no longer on medication. Some of my family members should be but I think the important thing was. I realize that you’re gonna just look at me like I’m sickly so I was determined to get off medication and do good in my life. Now they see me as healthy and moving right along. A lot of them are still stuck where they are.

No I haven't Bob but you need to keep putting yourself first and concentrate on the good things that help you get thru the day.

I'll say this, I took medical leave from the naval reserves years back because of a diagnosis of depression. I knew I had to because in my job I'd lose my clearance. It was better I do it than be told. BUT, it dawned on me that I actually was getting help. I wondered how many people in sensitive positions don't get help yet remain there. That's totally messed up. That, of course, is unknowable, but many people walk around with disorders or secrets and don't get them resolved. Its odd that those honest and diligent enough to address problems are the one's penalized. But as an aside, I had a clearance years later when I fulfilled my contract through the national guard.