How to Avoid the Stigma of Taking Lithium Carbonate

Lithium Carbonate might quite possibly be the most misunderstood drug out on the market. The name conjures up images of zombies and everyone seems to think that it zaps your brainpower. While some users do end up feeling this way, the majority do not. Tolerating Lithium is not just about tolerating the drug itself, but also the stigma involved with taking this drug. Here are some tips on how to help make your Lithium treatment easier and to keep stigma at bay.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Lithium Carbonate pills
• Imagination

1. I've found that some users are embarrassed to discuss Lithium treatment with their friends or family. It might be useful to explain to them how it really makes you feel and that it doesn't make you out to be a zombie. Be open, be honest. I had this chat with my mother who was misinformed about Lithium, and now she knows that has had a positive impact upon my life, People will understand.
2. Sometimes it is hard to order a prescription for Lithium over the phone when other people are around, so do what I do; refer to Lithium as "the drug that starts with L" and then state what number of milligrams you take. People will just think that your being discreet and "the drug that starts with L" could be hundred of things. People are oblivious - take advantage of this fact.
3. Sometimes taking Lithium in front of other people is hard. It's time to take your pills, but you're surrounded by people. You could sneak away, go to the bathroom, and take your pills; or you could just put the pills in a Tylenol bottle. People will never know it's Lithium, and if they ask, just say you were starting to get a headache.
4. Finally, if Lithium gives you unavoidable physical symptoms like tremors, don't skirt around the issue. Just tell people you are on medication and that it creates tremors. No one needs to know that you take Lithium. Remember that most, if not all, people don't know that Lithium causes tremors. Everyone seems to think that Lithium causes "zombieism". Use their ignorance to your advantage.
5. I've implemented some of these tips myself, and they work marvelously. Give it a try, and give Lithium a shot. Now you know how to "hide" you Lithium-ism.