I have been diagnosed for 15 years.
Some fantastic advice given thus far, all of which I totally agree with. It is amazing just how much you learn over the years, and reading this post has made me realize just how many lessons I have learned. So thank you.

Best Advice?
1.Be ok with having Bipolar. It is not your fault, nor is it a life sentence. It is your 'normal'.
2. Get the best support team you possibly can. Find a Therapist, GP and Pdoc that you are comfortable with and trust.
3. Be absolutely honest with your Pdoc. Don't expect them to read your body language, or to know how you feel, everyone is different, you need to spell it out.
4. Make notes in between visits to your Pdoc. It's too easy to forget one your there.
5. Get plenty of rest. Try to keep to sleep routines and avoid the temptation to stay online at all times of the night no matter how much fun it is.
6. Take your medications religiously.
7. Trust that you know the way you are feeling, but trust your Pdoc that he knows the best medications for you.
8. Don't be afraid to speak up if you do not like your treatment, medications, or the way you are feeling. Take control of your treatment.
9. Seek out people that accept you for you. Better to have no friends than friends that put you down.
10. Remember Bipolar cycles. Tomorrow is a new day.
11. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Don't let your mind go there, and if it does, don't be embarrassed to reach out.
12. Research. The more you can train your mind, the more tools you can learn, the more coping mechanisms you have, the better you can stay in control.
13. Love yourself