I have been taking bipolar meds for a dozen years. Compared to atypical antipsychotics, benzos or other mood stabilizers, lithium is a walk in the park. I think the x hours of TV or internet 'use' a day makes a more docile society than a little lithium would.

The article omits 7up (which contained lithium for a while) and lithia water which you can buy online right now: http://lithiamineralwater.com/store.htm