Lithium helped me for 20 years. It was like a miracle, I wasn't perfect but able to hold down a job and, with a little effort, have a good quality of life. I felt that even if it shortened my life, the benefit I had was worth it.....at least I had a life.

Kidney and thyroid function should be monitored regularly (for me a couple of times a year) which should allow you to see changes and change meds early if needed/wanted.

Sadly for me lithium no longer helps, but I had a reasonable life for 20 years and that's worth a lot. It has affected my kidneys a little but was stopped so they are fine now.

Lithium is a mood stabiliser, but it also increases the effects of antidepressants and is used for that.

Good luck!