Manic-depression

Hi kat,
i'm not sure if you're the same kat that is on a couple of bipolar forum's that i'm on or not (i go as cin on them), but anyway, to your questions. I have heard of serenity, and some people swear by it, and think that it works wonderfully. I have never used it, so I can't say how well it works. But, fish oil is another natural mood stabilizer, but I don't think it would be very effective for severe mania or depression. But, it is helpful in stabilizing minor mood disturbances. However, I use it as an adjunct to my medicine regime, and it has been very helpful. Right now, i'm taking five 1,000 mg. Gel caps per day. When the weather starts getting nicer, I will reduce it back to two or three per day, as I mainly have trouble with depression (i'm bipolar, too) but don't get the manias at all, and only hypomania a couple times a year or so. Yup, the b vitamins seem to help too, as I do take a b vitamin complex capsule daily as well. I noticed a pick up in energy, and more of a general well-being after I started taking them. I take ginsing as well, but that is for my low energy drive too. I don't know if it helps to bring energy into balance, or just gives more energy though. I think calcium is another important mineral we need to keep balanced, whether or not it's for bipolar.
Hope this helps some, and like everything, check with your Dr. Before starting any herbal meds, and of course, what works for one person, may not work as well for another, or it might just be the lifesaver they need

take care,

cin

If you have a dignosis and are working with a psychiatrist, the prescriptions that are used for manic depression can balance the moods. Additionally, spiritual practices can be utilized (mantra meditation) to balance the manic stages. Furthermore, mood swings can often be connected to binge eating or junk food eating, so that needs to be examined too.

If you can find a b complex that contains choline, it will help with this.
Take at least 300 mg. Per day for one week and then reduce down to 200 mg. Daily for one week. After this, take 100 mg. Per day everyday and you should have no more problems.
I found this by accident during the deepest depression of my life and have told numerous manic people since and every one without fail says they were helped as long as they remained on the b-complex 100 each day.

I have a question after reading this. Would a regular vitamin taken each day give one enough b vitamins?

I don't think so. Check your vitamin bottle to see if choline is included.
It's not in all b vitamins. The one I like the best is the solaray capsules b-100. I can't believe how quickly this helps. Start out with 3 per day and keep that pace for a few days then drop down to two for a few days.
After that, take only one per day. They are inexpensive -- I think the last bottle I bought on line was $12.95 for 100. Let me know what you think after a couple of weeks on the caps.

according to the book, prescription for nutritional healing (phyllis & james balch) there are several vitamins & herbs for bipolar disorder, including b-12 (injections) & vitamin b complex, amino acids, l-tyrosine, taurine, and zinc. Gluten in wheat & other grains may make the condition worse. Fish & other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are helpful. Sugar & alcohol plus artificial flavors & colors may also worsen mood swings.
Check out this book --- I find it very informative.

I tried choline tabs and it didn't work. I took them one evening and the next day felt uneasy. I talked to my doctor and she didn't think they were good to use. Fish oil is ok to take however. I researched on line about choline and there were alot of reports that they are not beneficial for bipolar patients. Of a matter of fact, it may make them manic.