Understanding Lithium: From Suicidal Urges to Mood Stabilization

When a psychiatrist prescribes lithium or any doctor for that matter, there are various reasons behind this decision. One might take lithium for stopping extreme suicidal urges, achieving remission from major depression, or as the last resort when previous antidepressants have failed. This life-saving medication, however, comes with its own set of considerations and potential side effects, especially concerning kidney health.

Lithium: A Potent Mood Stabilizer

Lithium Carbonate

Lithium carbonate is primarily used for stabilizing moods, commonly prescribed for bipolar disorders, previously known as manic-depression. Though it is an effective treatment, it can be tough on the kidneys, and patients are usually required to monitor this by taking regular blood tests for the first few months of treatment. This is why some healthcare providers and researchers debate the necessity of its continued use in clinical settings, given that alternative mood-stabilizers exist that may be less harmful to kidney function.

Over-the-Counter Alternatives: Lithium Salts

Lithium Oratate and Lithium Aspartate

These are over-the-counter supplements containing lower levels of lithium ion. Despite the lower concentration, they are marketed to help regulate mood and feelings of well-being. It's important to remember that these products have not undergone the same rigorous testing and FDA approval as prescription medications, so their efficacy and safety may not be fully established.

The Natural Lithium in Water: A Controversial Topic

Natural lithium in public drinking water is an intriguing phenomenon. A survey from a few years ago revealed that cities with naturally occurring lithium in their water had significantly lower suicide rates compared to those without. This observation has led to questions about why more communities don't add lithium to their water supply, as they currently do with fluoride. However, the mechanisms behind the potential mood-stabilizing effects of lithium in water and its safety for large populations remain subjects of ongoing research.

Lithium: More Than Just a Medication

Beyond its medicinal uses, lithium has appeared in unexpected scenarios, such as the famous zoo incident. In this anecdote, a man was described as screeching at a monkey through the glass. The monkey retaliated by kicking the glass. Security staff intervened and administered lithium pills to the man, which calmed him down. He went on to receive psychiatric care and is now living a normal life in a top psychiatric hospital.

But for individuals like me, lithium is not a necessity; we live normal lives without it. My own experience with lithium is that it has been a life saver, enabling me to manage my extreme suicidal urges and achieve remission from major depression when other treatments failed.

Conclusion

Lithium is a powerful medication with a range of applications and potential side effects. It is crucial for anyone considering or taking lithium to do thorough research and ask questions about both the benefits and risks. By understanding the role of lithium in mental health, we can make more informed decisions and better manage our well-being.

Good luck on your journey towards understanding and managing your mental health effectively.