Sounds like a very caring pdoc. Most won't get into that much depth unless they do therapy.

I have taken lithium in the past. It is sometimes prescribed for depression and is the only medication that has been shown to have a positive effect on suicidal ideation. It is a good med. You'll have blood tests to check lithium levels. Blood levels need to be in a therapeudic range; that's how they decide what dose you need. You'll be thirsty -- a lot. Just drink water and go to the bathroom a million times a day. The only really bothersome side effect I had was hand tremors that were pretty noticeable, but the lithium worked so I lived with the tremors.