Eagles Fly replied: "I can hear your desperation. Most of the MDS. you mention I've heard about because my daughter, now 37 yrs. old has bipolar, her 10 year old daughter has bipolar and her teenage 15 year old daughter has bipolar + plus other issues that I can't remember them all. So that leaves me at the head of the line. I'm currently taking lamictal, ADD medication and anxiety medication and will no doubt be on lithium by my next appointment. I held off this long, but have to admitt, being first in line does say something like haredity or it's in the genes. Yes, there is a difference in the brain cells just with ADD alone, which seems to come right along with depression and bipolar. My sister has had depression issues all of her life and I suspect if she would see the right doctor, she too would be diognosed with bipolar. She also has ADD. An old friend of mine and my sister sounds the same as you. She too recycles. Since using new MEDS she has come a long way from how she was before the new MEDS. She's now taking a writing class and slowing getting up enough courage to drive her car again. She even sounds much better as time passes. Between my sister and me (I visit with my sister in Michigan) when the phone rings and it's our friend I seem to be the one to answer the phone. I can hear the difference every time I get to talk to her, as we all have something in common and try to learn from one another. You probably should be taking to my daughter. She too has read everything there's to read about bipolor and other mental illnesses. Her 15 year old daughter has many, many other issues to deal with. She's also is complexing to her doctors. How do you over ride depression besides taking MDS I don't have the answer. I know I've been told to keep busy, do exercises, eat a fish a day, you name it. I'm sure you're familiar with that routine. Bipolar is still hard for me to understand. It seems to have so many niches and cracks. With most mental illnesses it's a quessing game. You keep trying new MEDS until youthey get it right. The you can expect adustments in MEDS so they may work even better. My daughter just asked today when we had a bite to eat, "I wonder how other people would handle the things I have to do on a daily basis?" I think you're part of her answer. If you want to do pass the message maybe we can find a way for the two of you to talk ... contact me Take care"