1- Study up on your diagnosis, from GOOD sources on the internet like webmd, Mayo Clinic, etc. It will help you immensely, I promise you. Try to learn the lingo as well as you can, so you can communicate better with your doctor.
2- About your doctor: Ok, here goes. Yes, SOME doctors and psychiatrists are really nice people with no God complex, and can accept suggestions and feedback. However, in MY experience, they are very touchy and territorial creatures. Do not ever try to play doctor or tell THEM what to do. It sucks, but it's the way it is. Be very tactful and diplomatic, and just describe your symptoms as precisely as you can. If they are competent, they will know what to do. Don't suggest an exact dosage, because you will get asked where you went to medical school. Don't suggest a medication, because of the same reason. You will learn how to work with your doctor eventually. Hopefully you have a humble nice doctor. Ask leading questions in a semi-dumb Columbo-ish kind of way. They will pick up on your lead, if he or she is competent.
3- Lithium is great but very powerful. Get your blood levels faithfully. It's not something to be casual about. Take it exactly as prescribed, which is my suggestion for all psychotropic meds.
Best wishes to you, and keep us updated. 
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