Healing Depression & Bipolar Disorder Without Drugs: Inspiring Stories of Restoring Mental Health Through Natural Therapies

my husband is bipolar and has had a hell of a year. pharmies didnt seem to be working to well and we were getting desparate. this book was very informational and gave me a sense of hope. by working with a psychiatrist and a natropath we are finally beginning to see some real change.

Half-way through book. Introduction provides excellent insight into the differences between how natural & pharmaceutical treatments are viewed and researched in the United States, and how this impacts those who need them. This is one of the most important parts of the book from the perspective of instilling insight to help you think differently than you have been, and move forward from there. The personal stories are situation specific, and I look forward to finishing the book to begin my personal journey.

Most of us can benefit from information in this book. It provides a way to evaluate the necessity for prescribed drugs with undesirable side effects or deal with symptoms for which doctors cannot find reasons. The emphasis in the book is on ways to eliminate medical conditions, not just to mask symptoms. Both Gracelyn and her mother were bipolar. Gracelyn grew up familiar with her mother's side effects from lithium, which Gracelyn declined to use. Placed on an antidepressant instead, she suddenly developed multiple breast cysts and tumors. When she went off the drug, the growths stopped. Refusing all psychiatric drugs, she consulted a brain research center that identified two genetic disorders, treating them with specific vitamin and minerals. Within four months, her manic symptoms disappeared. Then, left with depression, she heard about successful clinical trials of omega-3 fish oils for bipolar patients. The oils quickly lifted her depression. In Gracelyn's journey to health, her first priority was to stop the formation of growths in her breasts that could become cancerous. You may or may not be interested in how she managed that. Beginning on page 37 of the book, she describes how she dealt with mania and depression and goes on to explain how a lack of nutrients can cause addiction, allergies, and other symptoms. She does not recommend stopping drugs except under a doctor's supervision. Patients may want to continue with their present doctor or find a doctor who is comfortable with alternative methods. Gracelyn suggests continuing medication, trying one or more nutrients, and decreasing medication as symptoms decrease. I find the information in this book consistent with other books about alternative treatments, such as The Mood Cure by Julia Ross.

The title of this book is somewhat misleading, as I have found it a useful guide for healthy eating in general. Hearing from a non-professional how to take responsibility for one's own health is reassuring. I have given several books to friends who have a family member suffering from bipolar or depression and I have given it to friends recovering from chemotherapy. The easy reading style makes it appealing and the information is too good not to share.

Gracelyn Guyol's wonderful research and insight offers significant support to both mental health practitioners and self-help readers. With thoughtful support, nutrition and supplementation, the body AND the mind can come into harmony and balance. This book is a guiding light in finding the resources and choices that create mental health and wellbeing. Jane H. Percy, Director, Riverlight Wellness Center [...]