I would definitely find another doc who will listen to you. I "fired" one psychiatrist when he wouldn't change me from Depakote to something else. It helped with the agitation (I was in a mixed state), but it did nothing for my depression. He said as long as the radio or tv weren't giving me "special messages", I was ok. And that was never a symptom of mine! Now have found a wonderful doc who really listened & spent a year getting me on the right meds. She calls me one of her "success stories", because I'm doing so well plus I didn't give up. I had hope that when I finally got the correct diagnosis of bp that I could be helped. Also, I made my environment as stress-free as possible, exercised often, started trying to get out of the house when I felt better instead of isolating myself, etc. Support groups also help.