Actually at age 58 I am only now being "diagnosed" with bipolar disorder. When I was going "over the edge" 20 years ago, I joined a spiritula community, the hare krsna "cult" and practiced meditation. As I matured, I became increasingly isolated as I tried to "spearhead" an ashram single-handedly in florida. Additonally, even though meditation can and is beneficial to me, there was the huge affect of the loss of estrogen stimulation post-menopausal. Now I am managed by prozac, depakane, and respiridal which keeps me focused,, along with my meditation. Contrary to what people believe spiritual groups do not discourage the use of medication. It is simply a chemical reality. :d