Do Natural Remedies For Bipolar Disorder Exist?

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia
Updated March 6, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

It’s typically advised that those experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, including bipolar disorder, seek the support of a licensed healthcare professional (doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist). Therapy and medication will usually be recommended for those diagnosed with this mental illness. However, your provider may also suggest trying certain natural or lifestyle-related remedies in conjunction with these. See below to learn what the research says about the effectiveness of natural remedies for a condition like bipolar disorder when used in conjunction with other prescribed treatments.

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What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that’s typically characterized by the experience of both extreme highs (mania, or the less severe hypomania) and extreme lows (depression). How frequently an individual experiences these two extremes and how severe they become depend on the person and the subtype of bipolar disorder they have. In general, however, this condition has the potential to cause distress and significantly impair daily functioning, relationships, health, safety, and overall well-being.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

When a person is in a manic state, they might display symptoms like racing thoughts, speaking very quickly, sleeping very little or not at all but still having high energy, feeling euphoric, feeling irritable or on edge, being easily distracted, and/or engaging in impulsive and sometimes risky behaviors. Manic episodes can last from four days to a week or more, depending on the subtype of bipolar disorder the person has. In severe cases, the individual may need to be hospitalized in order to stabilize.

When a person is in a depressive state, they typically display symptoms such as low energy, persistent sadness, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, feelings of fatigue, significant changes in appetite and/or sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and/or thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by dialing 988.

How do you treat bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is considered highly treatable. An individual’s treatment plan will usually consist of a combination of prescription medication and therapy, though the exact modalities used will typically depend on their symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Types of therapy recommended for this illness are typically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy. Modalities that address psychosocial functioning, such as psychoeducation, are also considered beneficial. Additionally, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with bipolar disorder. 

Medications prescribed may include antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety, and/or antidepressants. Symptoms and treatments for bipolar disorder can vary from person to person, which is why it’s typically best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional on what might work best for you.

Natural remedies for bipolar depression and mania

Again, symptoms of bipolar disorder can cause an individual harm in some cases if left untreated, so seeking professional medical support is usually recommended. In addition to following the treatment methods your doctor or psychiatrist may prescribe, you might ask them about more natural remedies you can incorporate as well. Many complementary and alternative therapies are related to changes you can make to your daily routine that might help you avoid triggering a flare-up of symptoms or exacerbating those that already are present.

Practice good sleep hygiene

Sleep disturbances are common in people with bipolar disorder. As outlined above, both manic and depressive episodes can affect an individual’s sleep. Additionally, disruptions in sleep, such as sleep deprivation, can cause or exacerbate symptoms of mania and depression. However, it’s also estimated that 70% of even those whose mood is categorized as “stable” experience insomnia. Taking measures to help reduce or prevent sleep issues can be especially important for people with bipolar disorder because lack of adequate sleep may trigger manic or depressive episodes. 

There is evidence that bright light therapy—which involves exposure to a natural or artificial light source, typically in the morning—can help alleviate sleep disruptions that may be related to bipolar disorder symptoms. In a review of randomized controlled trials, researchers concluded that this modality “is an effective treatment for reducing depression symptoms among patients with bipolar depression”. Bright light therapy can worsen symptoms of a hypomanic or manic phase, so its use is typically limited to those living with depressive bipolar symptoms. 

Speaking to your doctor about insomnia may help, as may practicing good sleep hygiene. This can include practices like:

  • Getting some form of exercise during the day

  • Sleeping and waking at the same time each day

  • Sleeping in a cool, dark, quiet environment

  • Avoiding long naps during the day

  • Avoiding screen use (computer, phone, TV) a few hours before bed

  • Avoiding caffeine and alcohol when possible, especially close to bedtime

More research is constantly being done into sleep since so many people today experience some form of sleep disturbance. Keeping up with new research in this area may be particularly helpful to someone with bipolar disorder, especially if they’re interested in more natural methods. For example, consider the 2023 study that suggests that eating two kiwi fruits before bed may help increase sleep duration and quality, or the 2023 paper that indicates that using traditional Chinese medicine to modulate gut microbiota may help with insomnia.

Incorporate nutritious foods into your diet

Because bipolar disorder can impact energy levels, eating a well-balanced diet may be even more important for individuals with this condition. Additionally, mood stabilizers and other bipolar medications are associated with an increased risk of weight gain. Dietary changes and the addition of certain supplements may help alleviate the symptoms of bipolar disorder. For example, limiting caffeine consumption may help with symptom management, as even a mild stimulant can worsen mania severity.

As a 2023 review of literature on the topic suggests, a diet that includes plenty of omega-3s, folic acid, and zinc seem to be associated with improved symptoms of bipolar disorder. A diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, seafood, and whole grains and is low in sugary and processed foods will typically provide these nutrients. Remember to speak with your doctor or nutritionist before making significant changes to your diet.

Some people may also choose to take supplements to help their systems better cope with the effects of a mental health disorder. To that end, you might ask your doctor or nutritionist about some of the following vitamins and dietary supplements:

  • Omega-3s: Fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may help decrease the severity of depressive episodes in those with bipolar disorder. In one randomized controlled trial, participants living with bipolar depression symptoms experienced significant improvement following increased intake of an omega-3 fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid.

  • Magnesium: Some research suggests that magnesium may play an important role in reducing the intensity of symptoms of a variety of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder.

  • Vitamin C: It’s been suggested that deficiencies in vitamin C and folic acid may contribute to the development or worsening of some mental health symptoms, so supplements for these two could be worth considering for someone with bipolar disorder.

  • Vitamin D: Symptoms of bipolar disorder and other mood disorders (e.g., unipolar depression) have been linked to decreased levels of vitamin D. Research suggests that vitamin D supplementation may improve symptoms of mania and moderate depression

Exercise consistently

As a wealth of research from the last few decades indicates, engaging in frequent aerobic exercise seems to be associated with many physical and mental health benefits. Getting active may also help reduce certain symptoms of bipolar disorder.

As a 2023 study suggests, physical exercise seems to have a “potential adjunctive antidepressant effect” in those with bipolar disorder, meaning that it may help reduce symptoms of depressive episodes in particular—especially when used in conjunction with other treatments.

Try relaxation methods

High and/or chronic stress levels can exacerbate the symptoms of many mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. That’s why finding ways to manage your stress levels may help if you’ve been diagnosed with this illness. Natural methods may include:

  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Acupuncture
  • Journaling

Seeking therapy for bipolar disorder

As is the case with any mental illness, it’s typically recommended that those experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder seek the support of a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your symptoms and suggest treatment methods that suit your individual needs and circumstances. In most cases, some form of therapy will be one of the top recommended natural methods for treating bipolar disorder. 

For those who are unable to consistently attend in-person therapy sessions, online therapy can represent a more convenient alternative. One five-year trial that concluded in 2021 examined the effects of virtual therapy on those with bipolar disorder. Its findings suggest resulting improvements in perceived connection to care, decreases in mental health symptoms and medication side effects, and improvements in quality of life for participants. If you’re interested in trying online therapy, you might consider a platform like BetterHelp. You can get matched with one of its thousands of licensed therapists who you can then meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging to address the challenges you may be facing. 

Takeaway

Bipolar disorder is a serious but treatable mental illness. First-line treatments typically involve therapy and medication. Natural treatments that may improve the efficacy of these can include things like exercise and a healthy diet. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, you may benefit from speaking to a licensed healthcare provider.
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