If you experience troubling emotional or psychological symptomslike depression, bipolar disorder or manic depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, dissociative disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, an eating disorder, or an anxiety disorderyou may be looking for some information and support on speaking out for yourself. Even if you feel you have never advocated effectively for yourself, you can learn to become your own best champion. Being a good self-advocate means taking personal responsibility for your own lifeputting yourself back in charge and staying there. Speaking out means insisting that others respect your rights and treat you well. The steps that outlines in this handbook will lead you through the process of becoming an effective advocate for yourself. This booklet contains information, ideas, and strategies that people from all over the country have found to be helpful in relieving and preventing troubling feelings and symptoms. The information in this booklet can be used safely along with other health care treatment. (GCP)