Holistic Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Holistic treatment for bipolar disorder (also called manic depression) is often most effective after symptoms have been reduced through medications, such as anti-depressants and mood stabilizers, according to the National Institute for Mental Health. A holistic approach to managing bipolar disorder includes vitamin and nutritional supplements, proper diet and exercise along with traditional medicine.

Warning

• Adding supplements and decreasing prescribed medications without a doctor's approval is extremely dangerous.

St. John's Wort

• St. John's Wort is an herbal antidepressant that may be appropriate for use in bipolar patients under proper medical supervision. It has fewer side effects than chemical drugs, such as Prozac, but can often take weeks to work.

Fatty Acids

• Proper intake of Omega-3 fatty acids is important for both good physical and mental health in bipolar patients. These acids can be taken as a supplement, or found in fish, fish oil and flaxseed oil.

Vitamins

• Something as simple as taking a multivitamin can improve your bipolar mood symptoms and also promote general health, but it is important to ensure this mixes with your current medication schedule.

Diet

• Proper diet is key to battling the mood swings associated with bipolar disorder. Avoiding junk food is important to combat both weight gain and emotional ups and downs.

Exercise

• Since many traditional bipolar medicines have a risk of weight gain, exercise for patients is even more important to help keep weight down. It is also a natural mood enhancer.