Yes, at age 75, first diagnosed with major depression 30 years ago, then bipolar disorder 20 years ago - after I stopped taking all meds., I am happy to report that I am only on 37.5 mg ET Effexor & hope to within the year be off that, too. Meds. thrown at me by most of the 6 (and sick!)psychiatrists I've had over the years have complicated and exacerbated what was a simple spiritual illness. I ran from the responsibility of self-care, self-advocacy with superficial docs without a clue to the emotional/spiritual roots of most illness, especially mental illness.36 years a member of Al-Anon, grown up in the family disease of alcoholism, gambling, & untreated mood disorders of both parents, I've learned with the tools provided in 12-Step programs how to care for myself, how to advocate for my wellness, and apply sound spiritual principles to daily living, no matter what challenges come up. I have a God that's NOT me, money, property, prestige.I have a daily reprieve from bipolar disorder when I practice the spiritual principles of the 12 Steps,also conveniently compatible with the Jewish faith of my ethnicity.I learned the hard way that psychotropic drugs created a form of neurological dependency that only 1 out of 6 psychiatrists agreed was detrimental to my wellness overall. A former colleague in hospital care agreed that peace of mind, serenity, or happiness is the antidote to all illness, whether labeled physical or mental. BTW, I am a 51-year survivor of thyroid cancer. One of my teachers stated back in the 1980's that his cancer patients with addicts & alcoholics in their families taught him the greatest discovery of all: Twelve-Step programs help any individual & family, no matter what the illness, cope with it, 1 day at a time, better than any medication, pill, liquid, or pharmaceutical. Look up Bernie Siegel, M.D. His books & cd's testify to the benefits of a spiritual rogram of daily living.