Nothing Works

Marsha, 

You mentioned you have been medicated and sickened by side effects.  Does that mean you discontinued the medication?  If you have or if you have not did you consider trying another antidepressant or antipsychotic, depending on what was prescribed?  To avert possible hypomania or mania due to administration of an antidepressant most psychiatrists would recommend their patients with bipolar disorder be taking a mood stabilizer.  As far as antidepressants ar concerned, I can only comment on two I have been prescribed, both were tricyclic antidepressants.  Remeron was quite sedating for me and I did not care for that but Nortriptyline was only mildly sedating at first.  Nortryptiline can also be mildly energizing by also acting to increase levels of norepinephrine as well as increasing serotonin by acting as a reuptake inhibitor.

It does sound like you are wanting an alternative and medication does have its limitations.  Therapy is a good alternative, though along with medication you are treating the imbalance of neurotransmitters and attacking the cognitive distortions that also contribute to depression.  Cognitve Behavioral Therapy has been proven to decrease symtoms of depression by those who implement the techniques.

Physical exercise is also something you may consider, even taking a brisk 30 minute walk each day, if you do not belong or have access to a health club.

In the area of supplements, I can only recommend a good multivitamin and maybe a B-complex vitamin.  Low levels of both B6 and B12 have been associated with depression and L-mehtylfolate a metabolite of folate regulates the synthesis of serotonin, dopamine and norepinehprine.  There are some other supplements that are said to have antidepressant properties but many also come with a warning regarding psychiatric conditions.  With Bipolar this is usually the possible risk of mania.

Try to stay active around the house and get outside for a walk each day.  Staying inactive, inside and isolated will not contribute to feelings of well-being.  Eat right and take care of yourself, even if that means trying a dreaded, new med or seeking out a therapist.  Keeping busy keeps your mind on the important topics and tasks and out of the gutter of negative thought.

Have you tried yoga?  I did it a couple of times and it really helps even just for that one hour while you're there.  If you live near water, like the ocean or a lake, seems to help me stay calm.  Other than that, I'm dealing with a lot of the same crap...I'm glad summer is almost here because I do better when the sun is out.  Good luck and hang in there.

I know this may sound bizarre, but you might want to try chiropractic. I know many people that say chiropractic has helped them with their depression. It might be worth a shot and it definitely has no bad side effects.

This suggestion is not one that works easily for me, but when I'm depressed, even 10 minutes walking helps some. Of course, when I'm depressed, it takes a lot of effort to get going to walk!

The other issue I'd mention, not knowing your age, is that being in menopause myself, I sometimes need to use a cycle of hormones to pop out of a depression. It's a pain in the butt not to know what's causing the depression until I find out what helps me get out.

I suffer the same symptoms as you.  I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and held against my will at two different hospitals.  I understand how frustrated you're feeling because I have tried so many combinations of medicine and nothing has worked for me.  I too am stuck in the depression and wonder if it will ever lift.  There is one thing I know that works and it's exercise.  I wish I could bring myself to do it instead of just saying it but if you find you can make yourself go out for a jog or even a walk which leads to a run, it really does help.  I hope you feel better.  Sincerely.