Hello blueinkentucky,

If I understand correctly, you wonder if there is another option because your husband seems to be doing OK?

From what I've seen when people go off their meds (five people I know did this in the last five years, with disastrous effect), it is rarely a good idea to go without medication for the long term.

It all depends on the kind of life that is acceptable to your husband.

If he's perfectly content to have mood swings, that's his choice.

However, that doesn't mean he's doing as well as he could be if he took the meds.

Only a minority-maybe 5 percent, and I'm making it up but that's about the truth-of people are able to be successful and not take any medication for their mental illness.

Do you feel it is a good thing for your husband to have mood swings, is it good for his mental health and well-being?

I feel it is only a matter of time until someone, who goes untreated, has another episode.  If your husband were never to have another episode again, that would be rare and if that is the case, he's one lucky person.

In some states, there are respite centers for people diagnosed with mental illnesses, as alternatives to the hospital, short-term facilities where a person can go for up to five days and doesn't always have to take the medication to be given a spot there.  Rose Hill in Massachusetts is one, I remember Rose being in the name, I believe it's Rose Hill.

In the end, your husband has to make the decision, however, whatever he decides it should be in consultation with you.

I hope it works out for the best and wish you every happiness.

Regards,

Chri