Depression, Medication, Fasting Leniencies - Tisha B'Av

Shalom uVracha,A. A person undergoing treatment for depression (which may be accompanied by general physical weakness— due to mononucleosis [“mono”] —or, in the case of a woman, postpartum depression where physical strength is closely connected to emotional state): Is such a person required to fast on Tisha B’Av, or is it permitted for them to fast? And if they are exempt, is there any value in fasting for part of the day? Also, what defines depression—does taking medication prescribed by a doctor or therapist count as sufficient?Another question: Someone who needs to take a medication that has a taste, or that must be taken with water—what should they do? And is there a reason to delay taking it until after the fast ends? (The question refers to medications that affect mood and energy levels.)Another question: Is it permitted on Shabbat to take 'Kaley Tsom' pills or extended-release caffeine pills?Thank you very much.

Shalom uVracha,

A. Someone suffering from an unstable mental health condition is exempt from fasting.

If the condition is stable, they may begin the fast and monitor whether it negatively affects them.

Taking prescribed psychiatric medication is sufficient to define the person as having such a condition.

B. If someone is fasting and needs to take medication, they should try to take it without water.
If that’s not possible, they should bitter the water a little (e.g. with tea concentrate), and take the pill.
If that also isn’t an option, they may use a small amount of regular water.

C. It’s not permitted to take 'Kaley Tsom' or caffeine pills on their own on Shabbos.
However, they may be mixed into food or drink on Friday (before Shabbos) in a way that the supplement isn’t noticeable.