Newly diagnosed bipolar teen

My parents believed that psychiatry was a scam so i never saw one until now.

In a mixed episode i went absolutely nuts. Long story short, i see a psychiatrist she checks my journals and says you are most likely to have bipolar. And that I’ll be seeing her for a year at least.

I was NOT expecting that. I have never taken antipsychotics idk what the experience will be like. I got used to manic/depressive episodes i guess? I know NOTHING about bipolar, idk what to even start with as i know absolutely NOOOOTHING. Can i manage my episodes without meds? I dont want to be dependent on them. Also what should i be expecting from my episodes? Are there warning signs? Once i notice them what should i do?