Hello, Away,

In my view, it would be helpful if you asked your psychiatrist about the use of
a relatively new finding regarding folate (it's the form of Vitamin B9--folic acid--that can cross the blood-brain barrier and is very helpful for some in bringing depression into remission and even alleviating the bipolar condition. It's a form of concentrated folate called Deplin (tradename).

The inability to utilize folate by the brain is often found only by genetic testing, but my psychiatrist prescribed Deplin based on the knowledge that if it worked after three weeks or so, no genetic testing needs to be done. In addition, it's a form of a vitamin so there are really no serious side effects that I know about. (Of course, all meds have side effects; I'm sure you've known that for years, just based on your experience.)

The science behind Deplin is that some of us are born lacking the enzymes necessary to transform folic acid (vitamin B9) into folate which can cross the blood-brain barrier and is very helpful in relieving depression for those who have that genetic error. It is important in brain health.

Since it is a "food med" I don't think there are serious side effects. It also
enhances the effectiveness of Lithium. I use Deplin (began with 7.5 mg and increased to 15 mg. Many take 30 mg. It's a really big help for me.)

Secondly, psychiatric journals now are encouraging the use of the Omega 3 fatty acids (which our systems can't manufacture) and it seems to be very effective, as well, in improving the mental state in depression. In fact, it works in both depression and mania, I've read. I use it and that has been the second greatest help for me.

Bear in mind, please, that not everyone responds the same way to a medication.
It may work for you--it might not. Only use of it will tell you the truth of that.

I hope you will talk to your psychiatrist about it and that he will be willing to co-operate with you in adding a prescription for Deplin and recommending the use
of Omega 3 fatty acids. If he doesn't, I'd almost be tempted to seek help from
another psychiatrist. That's just how helpful these two things have been for me;
it might work for you, too. I hope so.

Best wishes to you.