I have bipolar and was diagnosed in 2002. Bipolar, like so many mental illnesses, is a difficult disorder to manage. I follow the recommendations passingthrough listed. I also see a psychologist every other week (sometimes weekly) and my psychiatrist on a regular schedule. Right now since I am having problems and making many med changes I am seeing her weekly too. I usually see her every 4 to 6 weeks.
I journal as it helps me track how I am doing and get my feelings out.
I keep a mood journal/chart. I use Optimism. It is available online, on computer and on iPod/iPhone. It is the best one I have found because you can personalize it to your triggers and symptoms.
I take my medications regularly and at the dose set by my psychiatrist. Too many people quit taking the medications when they feel better or when they are frustrated that they aren't working as well as they could. Meds don't work unless you take them as prescribed.
Remember that bipolar is a life-long disorder. You need to start paying attention to how you feel, what is happening around you when you feel that way and continue to work on it when you are stable.
I have developed some things that help me when I am not doing well but I created them when I was doing well b/c it can be hard to think clearly when in an episode. One thing I do when I am manic is spend money. I made a spreadsheet that keeps a record of everything I spend beyond basic living expenses. When I see the total rise above normal I take stock of my spending. When well, I have written up a list of reasons to live. It is posted on my refrigerator. I also made a weekly chores list for when I am depressed as the house seems to fall in around me unless I have and follow the list, at least to some extent.
Living with bipolar means you have to adapt and prepare.