I can totally relate. Went through this last summer. I thought I could handle no meds.

Well, my anxiety/OCD came back with a bloodthirsty vengeance, and I became unbelievably manic. Eventually it came to a point where my thoughts were racing so fast I couldn't keep one in my head for longer than a split second. I was psychotic. I checked myself into the hospital, where I was promptly given a hefty dose of Zyprexa and Lithium.

So I guess how I dealt with it-I learned first hand just how bad things can get when I drop my meds. Not saying you'll be as bad as me, maybe not. Just saying that You don't have to find out where your worst state of being is. Taking lithium isn't so bad. I've been doing it for years. Check your kidney and thyroid function periodically. You'll be fine.