I was diagnosed 7 years ago, after a severe manic/psychotic episode with severe paranoia. I have them occasionally, I was on Prozac, then lexapro, then finally they added a cocktail, lamictal and abilify and lexapro. I’m terrible though, I take them until I feel fine and then I say to hell with it and come off everything because I’m a super woman and don’t need meds. I have been off everything for a year, but recently have seen the terrible signs that the worst is coming. Extreme anxiety, rock bottom depression with intrusive thoughts and fantasizing about unspoken things. I went to my doctor, she just wants me to start on a low dose lithium, I’m a nursing student so I’m very nervous about lithium and the side effects. I feel like I need more, I really need help but I don’t think she was listening to me. Can anyone give me insights on lithium working, or what else to do to try and calm my mind until the storm passes? I’m one that usually experienced hyper mania, rarely do I get depression.