It’s estimated that 2.6% of U.S. adults struggle with bipolar disorder. ¹ Most people first experience the condition at 25, but onset can begin earlier.

People who struggle with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood shifts that hinder their energy and activity levels. These shifts are referred to as “manic” and “depressive” episodes, each of which comes with a specific set of symptoms.

Traditionally, psychiatrists prescribe medication alongside various types of therapy to curb symptoms. However, such treatment has been found to have some negative side effects.

With that, there’s been a growing interest in all-natural remedies for bipolar disorder. Throughout this article, we’ll overview bipolar disorder and these alternative treatments.

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes shifts in the following: ²

• Ability to carry out day-to-day tasks
• Activity levels
• Concentration
• Energy
• Mood

Generally speaking, these shifts usually involve “manic episodes” (when energies are high) and a “depressive episode” (when energies are low). There are three types of bipolar disorder, each of which differs slightly but still involves these shifts in energy:

• Bipolar I Disorder – When a manic episode lasts 7 days and is so severe, you need hospital care. Depressive episodes will last at least 2 weeks afterward. It’s possible for people with bipolar I to experience both manic and depressive symptoms at the same time.

• Bipolar II Disorder – When an individual experiences depressive episodes alongside hypomanic episodes (a state that’s not as intense as bipolar I’s manic episodes).

• Cyclothymic Disorder (Cyclothymia) – When periods of hypomanic and depressive episodes last for at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents). However, the difficulty with cyclothymia is symptoms don’t meet the requirements for depressive and hypomania episodes. ³

In some instances, people experience bipolar symptoms but do not meet the diagnostic criteria for the above conditions. In these cases, the condition is referred to as “other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders.” The biggest difficulty with diagnosis is bipolar disorder often replicates symptoms of other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

As mentioned, people with bipolar disorder experience two sets of symptoms: manic (or hypomanic) and depressive. The symptoms for each are as follows:

Manic and Hypomanic Episodes

• Decreased need for sleep
• Energetic, feeling very “up” or “high”
• Experiences of jumpy or wired
• Feeling unusually important, talented, and/or powerful
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Managing several tasks at once
• Racing thoughts
• Risky behavior (i.e. spending lots of money, excessive drug use, reckless sex, etc.)
• Talking very fast (usually about several topics)

Depressive Episodes

• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Feeling very sad, empty, worried, and hopeless
• Having a hard time performing even simple tasks
• Inability to experience pleasure
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Reduced sex drive
• Restlessness
• Trouble with sleep (i.e. falling asleep, waking up too early, or sleeping too much)
• Slowed speech (feeling as though you don’t have anything to say)
• Suicidal ideation

Risk Factors for Bipolar Disorder

Researchers still aren’t 100% sure what causes bipolar disorder. However, the majority agree there is no single cause. Rather, there are varying factors that all play a role in a person experiencing this condition. Some of the recently studied include:

• Changes in Brain Structure and Functioning – Studies have found that those who struggle with bipolar disorder have different brain structuring than those without bipolar disorder (and other mental health conditions). ⁴ Unfortunately, we don’t know enough about these differences at this time and medical professionals are not allowed to make a diagnosis purely on brain scans.

• Drug and Alcohol Abuse – It’s been found that individuals with a substance abuse history are more likely to develop certain mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. ⁵

• Environment – Extremely stressful life events have been linked to bipolar disorder. Most notably, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional mistreatment. ⁶

• Genetics – Research has found that people with specific genes are more likely to develop bipolar disorder than individuals without these genes. Furthermore, it’s found that those with a parent or a sibling with bipolar disorder tend to have an increased risk of developing the disorder themselves. ⁷

Even if you haven’t experienced any of the above risk factors, it’s important to talk to a doctor if you’ve experienced bipolar disorder symptoms.

Naturally Treating Bipolar Disorder

When we discuss naturally treating bipolar disorder, we aren’t just talking about a set of herbs or therapeutic practices. Rather, treating bipolar disorder requires lifestyle changes – a change in the way you go about your daily life and your perspective.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. Rather, there are various ways to address symptoms. It’s important to understand this before we dive into how to naturally treat bipolar disorder.

Furthermore, you must understand that most of these measures (specifically, the herbs and supplements) have not been approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Instead, several self-reports and clinical research are suggesting these can help.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes are one of the few keys to unlocking what it takes to manage bipolar symptoms. Developing new habits isn’t easy and we understand it may be difficult to curb bad ones. However, according to research, it only takes about 66 days for a new habit to develop. ⁸

With that, we guarantee putting in the effort towards these new habits is well worth the outcome. We’ve carefully selected four per recent research concerning how these lifestyle choices affect bipolar disorder:

1.) Diet

A healthy diet is important to all of us and this is especially true for those with a mental health condition. Recent research has discovered a “gut-brain connection” that links bad diets to negative mental effects. This connection works vice versa as well – when stress, anxiety, and depression can lead to a “gut-wrenching” experience. ⁹

In a 2011 study, it was discovered that 68% of people seeking treatment for bipolar disorder had excess weight or obesity. These individuals were also more at risk of physical health conditions, such as diabetes, low bone density, and cardiovascular disease. ¹⁰

In a separate study, it was discovered that those with bipolar disorder had a higher chance of binge eating. ¹¹ Some research has suggested that this may be one of the side effects of medication. Others have suggested overeating is a result of depressive episodes. ¹²

The link between bipolar disorder and unhealthy diets isn’t entirely understood. However, some scientists believe it may be because those with bipolar disorder have an imbalance of serotonin. Since serotonin affects appetite, some may seek out sweet or carbohydrate food to compromise for this lack of chemicals. ¹³

There are a few steps you can take to ensure that you’re eating properly to manage bipolar disorder. These include:

1. Develop a diet that’s well-balanced in nutrients
2. Eat on a schedule
3. Develop a meal plan to help ensure you stick with your diet

While there’s no denying it’s difficult for anyone to change what they eat, such habit alterations can really help those with bipolar disorder. Staying overweight with this condition puts you at risk of not only maintaining bipolar disorder but also developing anxiety, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

2.) Sleep

People with bipolar disorder often struggle with sleep. In depressive episodes, you may experience insomnia or sleeping too much. In manic episodes, you may not feel a need for sleep. ¹⁴

An erratic sleep schedule can have several negative consequences to your life. Most notably, your ability to manage your moods. ¹⁵

There are a few things you can do to ensure you’re getting a better night’s rest:

1. Sleeping on a schedule (going to sleep and getting up at regular hours)
2. Keeping your room comfortable enough to sleep in
3. Avoiding stressful situations before going to sleep
4. Staying away from large meals within a couple hours of your sleep time
5. Avoiding or limiting alcohol and drug consumption

If sleep is one of your primary difficulties, some medications can help. This is something you should talk to your doctor about to ensure no negative drug interactions with other medications you may be on.

However, many have found cannabidiol (CBD) and melatonin (especially a combination of the two) extremely beneficial for their sleep. ¹⁶

3.) Exercise

It’s common sense that exercise is good for our health and helps to prevent many diseases. Practicing exercise is prevalent when it comes to bipolar disorder as it helps us balance our moods and avoid certain associated health problems, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. ¹⁷

Unfortunately, there is still much research necessary to tell us how much exercise can affect bipolar disorder. However, what exists is promising.

In a 2015 review, exercise was found to “be a viable and effective strategy to deal with the depressive phase of bipolar disorder.” ¹⁸ In a separate review, “exercise was associated with improved health measures, including depressive symptoms, functioning, and quality of life.” ¹⁹

From these two reviews, we can conclude that exercise is most prominent during a depressive episode. Of course, this will also be the most difficult time to engage in exercise. To maintain motivation, it may help to reward yourself after a healthy workout.

4.) Avoid Drugs and Alcohol

As already mentioned, people who struggle with bipolar disorder are more at risk of developing a substance use disorder. Furthermore, the vice versa is also true – those who struggle with addiction are more likely to develop a variety of mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder. ²⁰

In one study, it was discovered that 56% of people with bipolar had experienced alcohol or drug addiction at some point in their lives.

The link between substance abuse and bipolar disorder is likely due to brain changes caused by the condition. As mentioned, people with bipolar are more likely to engage in risky behavior. It’s believed this is due to alterations in brain circuits responsible for reward experiences. ²¹

This can lead certain people to chase short-term rewards, such as drugs and alcohol. In turn, they don’t consider the long-term consequences such actions can have.

If you engage in drugs and alcohol or have considered such activity, there are a few things you can do to avoid this behavior:

1. Understand your tendencies – it’s important to become aware that you’re vulnerable to risky (and often addictive) behavior
2. If you’re currently on drugs or alcohol, it’s vital to seek out the proper treatment
3. Find support from loved ones who can help prevent you from relapse

Since drug and alcohol addiction can bring a whole new set of problems, it’s difficult to overcome bipolar disorder when engaging in such behavior.

Alternative Therapies

Alongside your lifestyle changes, there are several therapies you can participate in to learn coping mechanisms for your bipolar disorder symptoms. It should be noted that there’s only so much research concerning each of these therapies. Therefore, they ARE NOT replacements for therapies suggested by your psychiatrist.

1.) Meditation

Meditation is the practice of deep contemplation to better comprehend your inner self. Many have found it extremely relaxing and helpful in overcoming daily stresses. For this reason, it’s been suggested to people with bipolar disorder.

Mindfulness meditation is the most effective form for those with bipolar disorder. Through this method, you’ll practice “paying attention” in a way that makes you aware of what you think and feel. The goal is to bring this awareness with a lack of judgment so you can identify and disengage from distressed thoughts.

Recent studies have found that meditation isn’t something that can help those with bipolar disorder in the short term. However, when used alongside medication, mindfulness meditation had very effective results in the long term. ²²

In fact, many facilities have begun to incorporate mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in their treatment methods for bipolar disorder. This is when mindfulness meditation is practiced alongside cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

In a 2017 study, it was found that those who participated in MBCT for two years found a significant improvement in symptoms and overall quality of life. Most notably, they were able to prevent depressive symptoms from relapsing. ²³

2.) Light Therapy

Generally speaking, light therapy involves full-spectrum bright light exposure through a light source (i.e. a light box or a light visor). This light source is exposed directly to the eyes and requires regular visits to a doctor’s office (sometimes daily).

While it’s not entirely clear how light therapy works, it’s believed to help boost brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep. Most often, it’s used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). ²⁴

Light therapy is also used to help manage depressive symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. ²⁵ With that said, it’s unlikely you’ll notice any reduction in manic episodes from light therapy and, therefore, should seek treatment for that down other avenues.

3.) Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT)

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) is meant to stabilize your daily rhythm – from sleeping to waking to eating proper meals. The “interpersonal” aspect of it is directly related to your moods and day-to-day life. Through “social rhythm,” the goal is to help you develop a long-term daily routine that reduces bipolar symptoms.

There is currently only so much research backing up IPSRT. However, it has been discovered that it can help with bipolar disorder in the long term. Especially when used alongside medication. ²⁶ ²⁷

If you plan to seek out IPSRT, it’s important to understand the different phases of treatment. These are as follows:

• Initial Phase – You and your therapist will explore how bipolar episodes in the past have disrupted your daily routines.

• Intermediate Phase – Designing a new structure for your social rhythms (i.e. setting a schedule for when you should go to bed and wake up). In this phase, it’s common to chart down various aspects of your life, such as your mood, sleeping, eating, and exercise habits.

• Maintenance Phase – Now that you’ve developed new social rhythms, it’s important to reinforce them so they become habitual.

• Final Phase – Make sure you’re able to stick with your new rhythm while reducing how often you go to IPSRT.

Typically, IPRST lasts about 16 weeks. At first, you’ll make weekly visits, followed by monthly visits. However, everyone is different and some may need longer or shorter treatments.

4.) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a nonconventional psychotherapy that is effective in patients with trauma. The therapy involves accessing and processing traumatic memories and, from there, developing adaptive solutions. ²⁸

EMDR therapy is effective for bipolar patients who have experienced one of the many types of trauma. ²⁹ This is especially true when it’s practiced alongside IPRST.

More research is necessary to confirm that EMDR can effectively help people overcome trauma. However, if it can, it’s believed that this would be extremely beneficial for certain bipolar patients. If you can overcome your trauma, you’ll have a much easier time developing coping mechanisms for bipolar symptoms.

Natural Herbs and Supplements

Certain herbs and supplements have been found to help people relieve bipolar symptoms. Unfortunately, none of these are as effective as traditional bipolar medication. With that said, we don’t suggest you stop your conventional treatment path in replacement of these herbs and supplements.

Rather, we suggest talking to your doctor about using these herbs and supplements alongside your medication. In cases where you show promising signs, it may be possible to wean off medication. Of course, you need to discuss this with your doctor beforehand.

We’ve picked out four of the most beneficial all-natural supplements people take to help manage bipolar symptoms:

1.) Magnesium

Some research has found that magnesium is effective in mood regulation. With that, it’s believed it can help manage both manic and depressive episodes. ³⁰ ³¹ In fact, some believe magnesium can make traditional bipolar medication more effective. ³²

Magnesium is so prominent for bipolar disorder that some doctors may recommend you take it regularly. It’s worth mentioning that multivitamins tend to include the daily recommended dosage for magnesium.

2.) Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have an interesting link to bipolar disorder. In countries where people consume large amounts of fish, there have been fewer cases of the condition. ³³ For this reason, some scientists believe fish oil supplements may be able to help bipolar patients. ³⁴

Beyond helping with symptoms, omega-3 fatty acids have several health benefits in and of themselves – from lowering blood pressure to supporting heart health. ³⁵ If you want to incorporate them into your diet rather than taking a fish oil supplement, you can start eating foods such as cold-water fish, nuts, and plant oils.

3.) Vitamins

There have been some self-reports of vitamins helping people manage bipolar symptoms. Most notably, vitamin C and folic acid.

Researchers saw these claims, but couldn’t find much evidence that vitamin C helped with bipolar disorder. Even more so, they found no support in using folic acid specifically for bipolar.

The difficulty is folic acid has been found to help regulate cognitive health. ³⁶ With that, it may be assumed that it can help those who struggle with mental illness. Unfortunately, mental health conditions are extremely complicated and affect everyone differently.

For this reason, we need more studies to confirm these vitamins can help with bipolar disorder. Still, they’re worth a shot as they can help your overall health.

4.) High-Nutrient Foods

As mentioned, a good diet is one of the key aspects of treating bipolar disorder. With that, it’s in your best interest to develop healthy eating habits to prevent further ailments from appearing.

A balance of the following protective, nutrient-dense foods may prove to be helpful:

• Cold-water fish
• Fruits
• Lean meats
• Low-fat dairy
• Legumes
• Nuts and seeds
• Soy products
• Vegetables
• Whole grains

All of the above foods can help the body better regulate moods and, in turn, allow you to have an easier time managing bipolar symptoms.

Word of Caution on Natural Herbs and Supplements

When it comes to treating depressive episodes, some websites suggest using St. John’s wort as a natural remedy. However, we strongly advise against this as the supplement has been found to increase your chances of mania and may even interfere with antidepressants. ³⁷

Furthermore, none of the supplements discussed here have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar disorder. With that, it’s in your interest to consult your healthcare provider before consuming these alternative medications.

Traditional Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Traditional treatment for bipolar disorder is quite effective in allowing people to overcome symptoms and live fulfilling lives. Since this is a lifelong condition, people usually stay on treatment for long periods. Even once off treatment, the risk of relapsing remains prevalent and, therefore, so does the necessity for further treatment. Currently, treatment involves two important factors: medication and psychotherapies. ³⁸

Medications

Medication is one of the key features in treating bipolar disorder as it can help to stabilize moods. The most common bipolar medications include:

• Carbamazepine
• Lamotrigine
• Lithium
• Valproic acid

Unfortunately, doctors have no way of telling how a medication will affect someone’s bipolar disorder. With that, you’ll likely need regular monitoring and consistent medication adjustments to find the right dosage.

Furthermore, some people with bipolar disorder will experience psychosis. In such instances, a person may be given one of the following antipsychotic drugs:

• Aripiprazole
• Asenapine
• Lurasidone
• Olanzapine
• Quetiapine
• Risperidone
• Ziprasidone

If your psychosis is extreme, you may be recommended hospitalization. Especially if your symptoms show signs of danger to yourself or others.

You may also be prescribed an antidepressant to manage depressive episodes. However, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t take antidepressants alone as they can trigger mania. Even when you’re not experiencing mania, it’s important to take the mood-stabilizing medication alongside antidepressants.

Psychotherapies

Psychotherapies (also known as “talk therapy) are just as necessary as medication. While the treatment techniques vary, all aim to help you identify your difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Through this, you can identify triggers and overcome these difficulties.

The most common psychotherapies for bipolar disorder are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoeducation. Some facilities may recommend other forms, such as interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT) and family-focused therapy, depending on your situation.

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