Elorahd, welcome to Psych Central. I am sorry you are suffering from depression. I wonder if you have told your new doctor about your sleeplessness and depression. These are yellow flags that if left untreated can worsen and become more disruptive of your life.

Is your new doctor a psychiatrist? Having a psychiatrist that is comfortable with medication as a treatment plan is important. They can also be far more knowledgeable about psych issues. Medications can prevent episodes that can lead to hospitalization.

I am not qualified nor do I intend to advise you what to do, but I do have a friend that has been on 400mg seroquel for years and stays on it because it keeps them stable and out of the hospital.

If your doctor is not open to medication or advises you to take medication that does not help you sleep and stay out of serious depression, how would you feel about getting a second opinion? Many people are on meds their whole life, prescribed by a psychiatrist. They may change dosages and meds but there is nothing wrong with staying stable with the aid of medication. When I ask my friend how I know they are taking their meds, they tell me point blank: "So I don't end up in the psych hospital again!"

It is your right to get appropriate treatment. If you do not find it with one doctor you have the right to explore with other psychiatrists that may be available in your area and covered by your insurer. Check with your health care insurer and they can tell you all the options in your area. Often they list on their website doctors available in your area that are covered by your insurance plan. Medications can prevent episodes that can lead to hospitalization.