I was diagnosed halfway through my bachelors. I didn't start having manic episodes regularly until college. The school disabilities co-ordinator was a Godsend for me, she was way more supportive, informed and helpful than the school therapist.

Our classes were discussion based and and if I got too worked up I would go out for a cigarette. I told my teachers ahead of time that I might have to do that and it wasn't a sign of disrespect.

My friends knew that when I was more fragile there were things I couldn't talk about. My main strategy was to monitor myself and walk away whenever I needed a time-out. I got really good at not letting other people or situations over-load my stress level.