[middlepath]

I am new to mood stabalizers (lithium) and am feeling better...but am wondering what I should (w/ my pdoc, of course) look for to know I have hit the right effective dose? So I ask you all...what were the signs that you had that you had hit the right dose? Thanks for sharing your experiences with me...

[Cocosurviving]

I take Lithium as well, have for 7 months. I knew I hit the right dose b/c my stability before & after (Lithium) was like night and day. My BP symptoms were at a minimal. I had 2-3 episodes before Lithium and none (knock on wood) since taking it.

You just feel as though you are okay. Things don't seem to worry you so much, and
you're more careful about taking your time doing things that you appreciate having
accomplished.

You might even decide to change the color of your clothes! Wearing more light colors: white, pink. beige, rather than navy, black, etc. Purple and navy
are worn often by depressed people. Look in your closet and see what colors
you wear predominantly. That's a good cue to how you are emotionally. Strange, isn't it? But it's true.

You feel better about people around you and want them to be happy and content
in life. You don't have the negative emotions that can occur in depression.

Outside seems pleasant and bright, and beautiful flowers may attract you strongly. You may want to paint the walls in your home a white or off white
rather than strong, dark colors. Even your furniture may bid you to choose
other colors. Color sensitivity is right up there with the top improvements, in my view.

This is just an illustration: white signals purity; light blue signals peace; yellow
signals intelligence, green signals competetiveness...

That's how I can tell when I'm content and when I lean toward depression.

[middlepath]

Coco... I look forward to full stability. I have been dealing with this (unmedicated) for many years and don't exactly know what "normal" is like. I do know what it feels like to be in the absence of symptoms so I think I will just shoot for that! I am so glad I am finally working toward stability. It makes me hopeful. Thanks for sharing your process and for replying : )

Genetic, wow...what an insightful reply. I am artistic and never made the connection between color and emotion in my own life! I am super aware of this when I paint, but I have never connected the dots to my emotional state. I have recently had a stint of loving black and navy, followed by grey. I am still a massive fan of grey (and yellow-green) so I guess that means the worst of the depression is over : ). But, there is still work to be done. White and pale colors seem unapproachable at this time, unless i am painting for others.

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience...it is super helpful to hear!