How many of you think bipolar disorder is something that the person can control?

Absolutely not. As others have said, if you can control it, it isn't Bipolar Disorder, it's Cyclothymia at worst. Bipolar requires drugs to manage the symptoms, simple as that.

I have managed to catch myslef slipping into depression, and toughed out a suicidal spell, but I have never been able to control manias. Every time, I have had to up my anti-psychotics before I completely lost control. The best I have been able to do is to learn the symptoms of an episode starting up and change my meds accordingly

They can control it to a degree. For example, when I feel a swing coming on I know that I need to do things to get my mind off of what's going on inside. And if the depression end of it is really bad, I sleep before it gets worse.
No!! It is chemical and involuntary. You may be able to hide it but eventually it may end up with Very dangerous results. Usually it will build into a full blown episode and possibly suicidal results.
to some degree, but drugs help and others have to know not to piss them of to get a reaction
I think it would be easy for someone who does not have a mental disorder to think that positive thinking and controling your thoughts, is all you need to do to fix the problem. But it is not that simple. These mental disorders and alot more deeply etched inside of us. It definetley helps to try and stay positive and to fight it. I think most people who have a disorder will tell you they do or they have, but after constant every hour of everyday fighting it and often not getting anywhere it makes you feel more sad and so worn out. It is hard, really hard.
If the person is able to control their symptoms, it is not bipolar disorder. To achieve a valid diagnosis, a person must follow the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They must show a minimum of the required number of symptoms for a minimum length of time.

You can't malinger (fake) your way into a valid diagnosis for bipolar disorder. But - to get a valid diagnosis, it requires more observations and care than just telling your primary care doc that you dunt feel gud. At times it seems that doctors are just as eager to give the meds to you, as you are to have a easy answer like a pill.
Bipolar "disorder" is definitely something you can control! There may be a few exceptions but it is really just intense mood swings that people aren't willing to control so it controls them! Then again, that's just my opinion. They've gone over the top with passing off having no self-control as "just another disorder." It makes me sick!