Lithium saved my life. It is that simple. What it does for anyone else is particular to that person but my experience is overall positive. What it dealt with for me was chronic irritability, in-patience and impulsiveness - along with stopping me from being chronically and, at times acutely suicidal. I have not attempted suicide since commencing Lithium nearly three years ago and I had attempted several times before.

My Bipolar doesn't just disappear though, it is just these symptoms that Lithium addresses for me. There are negative to taking Lithium, like needing to drink more hence go to the bathroom more, and weight gain and hand tremors but I am willing to put up with those as the positive effects are so dramatic. I am off Lithium completely at the moment as I am having ECT and I am really noticing a dramatic increase in my in-patience, irritability, impulsiveness and suicidal urges. The ECT is dealing with the depression but not the other symptoms. Sorry for going on a bit. I hope this info helps.