Psychotropic Drug Free with Raw Diet

[dakinimind]

Hi Everybody!

I've been keeping a current blog (From Heroin to Raw), but, I'll give a brief bio here: Currently living in Phoenix, AZ and have been a cooked vegan for a couple of years now. For the last two years, I've been on again/off again raw. I work at Whole Foods Market...the perfect environment for a raw vegan!

I've gone to culinary school and have been working in the food service industry for a long time. I know my way around a kitchen. I've also worked with a couple of raw chefs. I have a lot to learn about raw food preparation, but anything I've learned, I will gladly share with someone else. Just contact me!

I've given in depth detail about my past in my blog under the entry, "From Heroin to Raw Vegan," but a brief recap: spent large part of adult life abusing drugs and alcohol. As a result, spent two years in a state prison. I've been diagnosed and treated for various mental disorders that fall in line with bipolar disorder (manic/depressive with an emphasis on the manic). I've been trying to stay med-free, but I've noticed an increase in mood swings lately. When I was raw before, once I acclimated to the diet, my moods stabilized significantly.

I'm determined to deal with my behavioral abnormalities naturally. I hate the idea of relying on a pill to keep my behavior in check. This May, I celebrated four years clean & sober!!

Today will be Day 4 raw and I'm already feeling much more centered and focused in the here and now. I have my old energy and clarity of mind back! It's amazing really! I know from the last time there will be days of mood swings, lack of energy and times when stuffed emotions will push through to the surface. I'm ready for it! Right now, anyway, I feel a compassionate strength to deal with whatever comes my way as a result of being raw.

For me, everyday I spend raw seems to gain a day in the future rather lose a day to the past. I feel like I'm building a rock solid foundation that can weather any type of storm.

Good luck to everyone and I'll sign off with this Buddhist prayer:

May you be at peace
May you come to know the beauty of your own true nature
May your heart remain open
May you be healed

[Pistachios]

It's good that you are able to measure the small steps of your path to progress as they serve as an incentive to keep going onwards and even if there is a setback, it gives something to look forward to by getting back on track.

[shashibala]

Welcome! I have been diagnosed as bipolar type 2 with severe depression. I am working on stabilizing myself on raw. I weaned off of medication 6 months ago. I won't say it's been easy every day, but I do feel better and my mood swings are not as pronounced.
I wish you all the best on your journey!


Check this out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSdy3gIfktg&feature=related

[Frugal Raw]

Welcome!! I wish you the best of rawesome health!! Hats off on 4 years!!

[spicyfull]

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW...........Welcome to MY World.

[Conscious Midwife]

Love , Light and Laughter for the Journey!!!:D :cool:

[gritsnla]

Congrats on your anniversary! You are on the path to health with RAW!

[Fennec]

From me to you, a warm and meaningful congratulations! As a person diagnosed with mental illness (severe, chronic major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms; post-traumatic stress disorder) and growing up around substance abuse, I know how hard it is to maintain a stable life. But it sounds like you've made tremendous progress, and truly, you are an inspiration to us all. I'm very happy for you! :)

[Princess Elaine]

Wow!!! Four years clean and sober is GREAT!!!! I have 14 years and my life gets better with each day. I loved what you wrote

For me, everyday I spend raw seems to be gain a day in the future rather lose a day to the past. I feel like I'm building a rock solid foundation that can weather any type of storm.

Dakinmind...I learn something from someone every day and at every meeting and I'll take your words with me today.

Yup, this is the place to be, on this side of living.

Elaine

[KindnessToAllCreatures]

Four years clean and sober?!? Hooray! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!

I was so excited to read your post. Honestly, my pulse is racing and I'm almost in tears- I AM SO HAPPY FOR AND PROUD OF YOU!

Welcome to this forum. I hope you like it here- The people here are so wonderfully supportive. Hopefully each day on your journey will bring you increased good health and happiness.

Much Love to You!

[Stina]

Hey congrats! I've got four years clean and sober too:p Eating raw has greatly helped me to stabilize my moods, find mental clarity, and feel closer to my higher power. I've been practicing eating raw for two years now, less than perfectly but I never give up, and boy is it a trip!

[dakinimind]

Thanks everyone for the words of support! I'm so happy to hear other people are addressing mood disorders successfully with raw food as well! I've often thought a raw diet would augment any therapies for addictions. Again, good luck to us all and special love to my kindred "clean" spirits :)

[jacsam]

Just want to say Hi and hope you've had the opportunity to read Alissa's book and watch her DVD.

[RawSinger]

Wow, truly, congratulations on four years clean and sober!! Both my parents are in recovery, as well as my uncle. That's such an awesome accomplishment!!

I too was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (I have type II), as well as major depression, and a few other things (sigh, aren't labels grand? They serve a purpose but they can be a little self-defeating). I desperately want to be weaned off my psychotropic medication, but before I do that, I'm going to wait until I've been 100% raw for at least a few months and am feeling really amazing. I was raw for three weeks straight at one point and began to feel the benefits. I know raw food is the way!

Good luck on your rawesome journey!!

[Jenifae]

Hey Dakinimind,

Right on! Congratulations! and all that................Woooooohooooooooo!

I too am in recovery from alcohol, drugs, and ED's. I was on Anti-Depressants and was able to get off of them by being Organic and Raw is just the next step.

You are doing Great!

[islesgirl]

how moved I am by your post. "For me, everyday I spend raw seems to gain a day in the future rather than lose a day to the past. I feel like I'm building a rock solid foundation that can weather any type of storm." These words of yours are going up on a wall somewhere here in my home. I want to be able to read them everyday. I want my beloved children to see them and I want them to see in me, too, the difference raw food can make in our lives. I can't thank you enough for writing about your experience. I am right there with you on this journey and so hoping for your success and will be following your blog closely.:)

Sue.