I read everything I could get my hands on to try and understand it when I got dxed in 06. I was already very much physician oriented (I'm sick doc, fix it) so taking meds wasnt a big deal, though I get those days when I really dont want to take them. Only cause I feel like an old lady with all my pills. I got involved in a nami weekly peer support group which really helped. I work very closely with my pdoc and therapist so have managed to have had only one hospitalization back in 2010.
I think when I am feeling good I just try to enjoy the things I am able to do. I am a quiet bper, its been mostly hypomanias with subsequent mixed moods. When things go downwards I see my drs more frequently, do med adjustments and try to be gentle with myself. My husband gets impatient with the depressions but he does try to provide comfort if I ask.