Yes ignorance is bliss.....but in reality you're lucky you were diagnosed earlier than later. For many people left untreated/undiagnosed the BP symptoms become worse and/or treatment resistant.

I did up this list for someone else that was recently diagnosed. I hope it helps:

·Take meds as prescribed.
·Educate yourself on the illness.
·Be honest with your psychiatrist, GP, therapist etc.
·Get regular sleep, if you can't sleep ask for a prescription for sleep to be taken regularly or as needed.
·Eat properly i.e. avoid excessive caffeine, junk food etc.
·Avoid alcohol.
·Avoid non-prescription drugs and/or drugs not prescribed to you.
·Exercise regularly.
·Set a routine for yourself i.e. getting up at the same time, going to sleep at the same time.
·Surround yourself with people that fill you up.
·Take time for yourself.
·Be patient. The med regime for many diagnosed does take time, but it's worth taking the time.
·Write in a journal especially with how you are feeling right now; that way if you ever considered going off meds it may help you make a better decision.
·Track your mood. Great free one online at http://www.medhelp.org/land/mood-tracker
·And finally remember you aren't your diagnosis. You have bipolar, but you aren't bipolar.