Lamictal and Latuda are both supposed to be good for depression. Latuda isn't even FDA approved for mania.

Not only that, but I think she's being cautious since you do have bipolar I (based on the DSM -- you could have had a manic episode 25 years ago and never one again but if you also suffered MDD, you get the BP I Dx).

I myself have bipolar, but am mostly on the depressed end of the spectrum, and while yes, I do need a traditional antidepressant, mood stabilizers help keep me from getting too depressed, or from getting manic.