I'm not a doctor, but, have been in your shoes.
Please, do not let them put you on anything other than lithium carbonate to see how things stabilize. That means they draw blood from you every couple months until things balance out. By no means take any other phsycotic drug at the same time. You also know this means no alcohol or drugs. This is very important.
You were quick to being diagonsed bi-polar. A few instances normally does not mean a life event. You may have just been having a girls night out and fun. Don't be fast in concluding you are bi-polar.
Bi-polar is by no means fun, but, not a "death sentence" as you put it. If you are indeed that, the hardest part is admitting you are mentally ill to yourself and everyone that surrounds you. Even the best medication does not protect you from flareups from time to time. At least if everyone knows, they will excuse you.
My understanding at this time is that bi-polar is completely genetic. Someone in your family has it. It normally errupts/surfaces under extreme stress. It won't go away. See how your family member dealt with it and how you can do better.
No death thoughts!!!!!!!! Get it out of your head and immediately see a psychologist immediately. All states have free help for this disorder.
If you are indeed bi-polar, no pill is going to make it go away. You are basically, handicapped. However, you get a blessing out of this. You will see life on much different terms.
I've been dealing with it for 20 years. I own a nice home and a business. This is not a dream disease and it can consume a lot of your time to work on it, but, i'm happy. I hope you find yourself happy too. (i also found out at your age)
hope this helps all out there. Even if you don't have money and have thoughts of hurting yourselves, most hospitals will take you in free of charge and also send you in the right directions for long term care. Just don't hurt yourself and seek long term therapy as well as meds. They go in tandom.
Best regards;
don
