My psychiatrist has suggested I change my medicine and try Lithium. And despite everything I have been through, I had a knee jerk reaction of like "Wait what?!? I don't need lithium!" Because.. Stigma. It is just a reminder that social bias seeps into all of us when we are vigilant.
Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. It helps manage the extreme mood swings that are characteristic of the condition, particularly by reducing the frequency and intensity of manic episodes. While the exact way lithium works in the brain is not fully understood, it is believed to help balance certain neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. Lithium is often considered one of the most effective long-term treatments for bipolar disorder, though it requires careful monitoring due to its potential side effects and the need to maintain a therapeutic level in the blood.