U.S. Bipolar Rates Soar Despite Heavy Use of Psychiatric Drugs: Natural Alternatives May Prove More Effective

By Carolanne Wright

Contributing Writer for Wake Up World

America has one of the highest rates of bipolar disease in the world with a staggering 5.7 million adults diagnosed. Characterized by periods of bone crushing depression swinging to cycles of mania, the disorder can destroy families and finances while shortening lifespan due to high suicide rates. Yet the disease has varying degrees of severity and often goes unrecognized.

To make matters worse, the mainstream medical establishment consistently advocates pharmaceutical drugs as a universal panacea. Sadly, these treatments are rife with side-effects. In response, many are beginning to seek alternatives to conventional medicine – and finding success with natural remedies.

Cycles of Heaven and Hell

Bipolar I is the most dramatic manifestation of the disease. Patterns of intense euphoria, inflated self-esteem and a racing mind alternate with depressive periods of anxiety, fatigue and suicidal thoughts or behavior. It causes significant disruptions and problems in family life, work and school. The manic episodes can be extremely dangerous as the person feels ‘invincible.’ The suicide rate during depressive episodes falls between 10 and 20 percent

Bipolar II is less severe. Elevated moods alternate with irritability or depression, but the individual is generally functional. Hypomania, a moderate form of mania, is present. Periods of depression tend to be more lengthy than cycles of elation.

Cyclothymic disorder is the most mild type of bipolar disease. Hypomania and depression can be troublesome, but the highs and lows tend to be easier to manage.

Due to the more subtle manifestations of bipolar II and cyclothymic disorder, both are frequently diagnosed as depression and drugged accordingly. However, this often aggravates the situation as antidepressants trigger manic episodes in 5 to 10 percent of patients. The drugs also carry the common side-effects of weight gain along with loss of libido and mental clarity.

Building a Solid Foundation for a Calm Mind

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