Bipolar with Psychotic Features vs Schizoaffective: What's the Difference?

Confused About My Mental Health Diagnosis

I have recently been diagnosed with Bipolar. I'm just beyond confused because my past Psychiatrist said that it was only Depression and Schizophrenia and even one of the mental hospitals diagnosed me with it. My current Psychiatrist noticed that I tend to talk a thousand miles a minute, have episodes of sadness, and then pure excitement and other things. Since I see shadows out of the corner of my eyes that aren't there and hear voices that no one else can hear, I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia as well. My psychiatrist said I have Schizoaffective disorder with Bipolar. It just makes no sense that my past psychiatric doctor didn't see it, so that means I have had Bipolar for twenty-eight years, undiagnosed until now. It does make sense though because both my brothers have Bipolar. Does anyone have any advice on how I can not lash out or be negative during one of my episodes? And how to possibly calm my racing thoughts so I can get back into writing? If it is of any good, I was put on Lamictial today.

hello! I'm lex, I'm 28. recently have learned I'm bipolar. but I'm starting to think maybe schizophrenic. how do you manage?