I'm sorry to hear about your diagnoses. I know when I first found out it was a shock. Honestly after a hospitalization when they said I should get checked for bipolar I reacted with anger. That was mainly from not knowing about the subject so much. I guess here is some things I would recommend:

Really know that you're NOT crazy. I know at least when it comes to me, I sometimes get the thought in my head that I'm just crazy. That can just make things worse. Sure it's a mental illness and it's a serious diagnosis but it still doesn't mean you're crazy. We just have a brain imbalance.

As what people have said, reading as much as you can about bipolar and learning about what it is can help. Once I started to read about it, it made me less angry about the whole thing and my understanding went up. It also helped because I knew what was going on, and it made me learn what to look out for. Helped me to identify if I was just in mania, bipolar depression, a mixed episode, in psychosis, and what not.

Learn your triggers and try to cut them out of your life. For example don't watch movies where someone kills themselves.

Learn what helps with the pain (coping mechanisms). Write down your passions and what helps you calm down. That way if you're in a time of need you can look to those passions and activities that help calm you down. For me it's chemistry, or trying to learn something new on the internet to give me the feeling that I'm moving forward. I also find that the more simple the coping mechanism the more likely you're to do them when you're down. Something simple like sitting outside, walking, sitting next to an open window to get fresh air. You know, something along those lines.

Also a good idea is to understand that there's a good thing from this. Now that you know what's wrong you can start treatment and work on becoming a better person, getting healthier, and getting stable. Understand that it can take awhile. But try not to think too far ahead. Take things one step at a time. Don't think too far into the future. It just makes things worse, you start to worry if you'll ever get better, or thinking "what if" thoughts and that's just going to slow down your recovery. Baby steps. I know it's hard to not think too far ahead (I still have a hard time with it) but try your best and keep trying. You'll get better at it over time.

If you don't already have one, try and find a good therapist. Talking with someone who is a professional can help A LOT and in combo with meds can really help. Even if you feel better, keep seeing your therapist. Think of it as on going treatments

Another thing I feel that I should bring up is about meds. A lot of people start taking meds, start feeling better, then think "Oh I feel good. I don't need these meds anymore" and stop taking them. Then they just find themselves in the hospital or doing something harmful. So understand that the reason why you're feeling better is because of the meds. Some people don't take meds, and if it works for them... then well more power to them. But I feel that it's important to know this fact.

If you have any questions or need someone to talk to, my door is always open You've found your way to a really good site. Which brings me to my last point, build a good support system.

I'm still pretty new here, but have found everyone to be very supportive!