Welcome to the forum(s), it is not uncommon to be scared at first, with counseling and self-education, can give you insight and reduce the fears and rumours you may have heard.
Most important thing, get to a reputable pdoc., get proper DX and then meds to stabilize you, providing you stay compliant, and keep up with your appts.
If possible, get a loved one involded in this process, sounds like they can use some education about Bipolar, pulling themselves from the narrow beliefs some still have.
I do not have much more to add at the present, got 3d matters to tend to.
But I am around here a lot.

Take care,
DE