SAN ANTONIO - Depression affects many people and with so many drugs in the market, how do you know what is right for you?
Some doctors are now prescribing a medical food they consider more effective than many well-known drugs.
Belinda Hughes enjoys being a grandmother but as happy as she is now it wasn't always the case.
"Feelings of hopelessness, sad, not wanting to get up or do anything," said Hughes of her symptoms.
She was dealing with depression as early as age 30.
"I remember they gave me Paxil and Zoloft," said Hughes.
Though nothing seemed to work.
"You start feeling despair because you don't know why you're feeling so sad and there's nothing you can do to make you feel better," said Hughes.
In 2008, Hughes met psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Simpson.
"She's had a lot of medical problems," said Simpson.
In addition to medication, she prescribes Deplin. It's a pill that is classified as a food. Turns out, Hughes' depression led back to one simple thing. Her body couldn't absorb the much-needed vitamin Folic Acid. Deplin provides that, and it was just what Hughes needed to stabilize her moods.
"You see her smiling now," said Dr. Simpson about Hughes' difference.
Deplin is not covered by insurance companies so it can cost up to $70 a month. Hughes has to pay out of pocket but as great as it makes her feel she wouldn't change it for the world.
