Without meds I wouldn't have been able to get back to school for my Master's degree. Lithium has been the best med I was on.. minimal side effects but my thyroid is struggling at this point so I think I'm going to have to come off of it. It is a high maintenance drug.. blood work, plenty of water to drink, no to minimal caffeine, careful of other meds. But if your life is falling apart as you say it is, it's probably worth a try. Can't be worse than you are now I wouldn't think. Good luck and welcome to psychcentral!!