If he doesn't want to take medication, that's fine, really, but it'll never go away unless he complies with his doctor consistently. Odds are, the first combination won't work, but experimenting is worth a shot.

If he chooses to continue taking medication, then he'll need someone to make sure he continues taking it when he becomes manic or hypomanic, which is an on top of the world feeling that makes us irrational.

ECT often quickly neutralizes treatment resistant depression and mania, and is nothing at all like it used to be, 75 years ago. That will only work for long, though, if he stays on a medication that works the best for him.

One of the things that influences whether or not someone with depression kills themself is how much they feel like they're a burden to others, or how much loved ones alienate them. So, don't do that.

I've used lithium long term and while it keeps me from developing mania it doesn't treat depression. It's a stabilizer. When I was seriously depressed I used effexor (AD) and that did the trick though weaning off it was a bonus hell. Going through divorce causes it's own emotional problems. Does your son see a therapist? The talking can develop understanding. Push physical activity since it's very beneficial. Remember that there's a point in using an AD that supports suicidal thoughts and acts. And don't expect a quick response.

Getting on a mood stabilizer might help...

Meds only help a percentage of the disorder... We need more then that to help us to feel whole

He's going through one of the major stressors in life and getting support would be huge for him... A lot of his distress right now would be situational

Is he seeing a therapist??... If he can't afford therapy there are peer to peer groups in the US through NAMI.. I would look for one in his area
Online groups like DS can be a great support... We have breakup and divorces groups on here
If he has a faith it can help and a leader in faith can be another person to turn to for counselling

It can take quite a while for us to find the right med regime and what works for one might not for another.. This isn't a quick fix disorder however there is stability to be had

Things like meditation, exercise, mindfulness. journaling etc can also be of great help

I would encourage him to see his psychiatrist and be willing to open his mind to the advise he's given

thank you for your comments - right now I am crying because he has been crying all day - he can't get himself out of the depression - he had group last nite but didnt tell his therapist that he is having more bad days than good. He has faith and it helps, he goes to DivorceCare classes and they help but I am scared because he is so deeply in depression and I dont know how to get a hold of his therapist. He is only on Wellbutrin - the lithium didnt help the depression and the lexapro cause memory problems - going highter on wellbutrin causes shaking - I wonder if abillify would help him - My daughter, who is in mental health is away and I cant talk to her but she is coming home Sunday - I just hope he can hang on - it seems like it is getting much worse. I dont know if he wlll try meds again.

"he can't get himself out of a depression'... Pam he needs to work with a psychiatrist and be willing to take medical advise

He's suffering the way he's doing it... I would try to encourage him to work with a doctor... There are many meds that can't help bipolar and what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another.. However his doctor will continue to work with him and help him.. It's important that he has a little patience... Most of us had to try a few med cocktails before we found the right one... I sure did and he's dealing with a very painful situation as well

There is help for him when he wants it... We have a very treatable disorder however you have to seek the treatment

I'm so sorry that you are both hurting... There is a Friends and Family of Bipolar board here as well .. I'll put up a link to it...x

I wrote can't help bipolar and I meant can help

Family and Friends of Bipolar Board

http://www.dailystrength.org/c/Family-and-Friends-of-Bipolar/support-group

thank you so much.