Good morning :)
Even though I haven't been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, I often have mood swings that, to me, seem indicative of the condition. So, I've tried to do some studying on it on my own.
I believe the type of bi-polar you've been diagnosed with is often classified as Bi-polar Type-I, or Bi-polar Dm (more depressive than manic). Despite the misgivings many people have towards information gained from Wikipedia, I've found that if you're looking for good, basic info it isn't a bad place to start.
Try this link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_spectrum
Bi-polar is scary, but it sounds like you've got good people backing you up, and you got it diagnosed. So, you should be ok. And, MedHelp is a great place to find friends and advice. I've been here for 4 years, and this site has literally saved my life on several occasions.
There's nothing to be scared about really. I was dx'd about 8 years ago. I don't make it a point of bringing up my dx to people. I figure it this way, no one needs to know, especially if I don't know them and they aren't on a need to know basis. If my friends want to know and are sincere about the questions they ask, than I'll tell them.
I understand how you feel, I was recently diagnosed too, I'm bipolar II which could be what you're talking about. Anyway, I haven't started any medication yet, I'm picking it up tomorrow and its scary honestly. Im worried bout the side effects and how it will effect me.
Here is a website I go to frequently and describes in detail of the symptoms u might experience plus it has info on various other mental disorders from anxiety to OCD
www.mentalhelp.net
This is an excellent website and alot of info to be learned.