Call us "patients," "consumers," or "persons with mood disorders," but not victims! We support the DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) policy of educating the public, standing up for our rights, and working through the system to obtain the treatment, support, and recognition to which we are entitled.

Advocacy

Advocacy is the work of organizations or individuals to protect the legal, civil, and human rights of people with disabilities such as bipolar disorder (manic depression). An advocate serves as an intercessor, speaking on someone else's behalf to ensure against discrimination and loss of rights. Found here are resources relating to advocacy organizations.

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Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is a national legal advocate for people with mental disabilities. Through precedent-setting litigation and in the public policy arena, the Bazelon Center works to advance and preserve the rights of people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.

CCEMHC Resources
The California Coalition for Ethical Mental Health Care has developed the following list of resources to assist mental health clients and patients who are having difficulty accessing their insurance benefits or who feel their rights have been violated.

Families USA
Families USA is a national nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the achievement of high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans. Working at the national, state, and community levels, we have earned a national reputation as an effective voice for health care consumers for over 20 years.

Justice In Mental Health Organization
The Justice In Mental Health Organization, Inc. (JIMHO), a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization in Lansing, Michigan, was founded in 1980 by individuals who are, or have been, consumers of the public and/or private mental health system. It is an advocacy group as well as a mutual self-help organization that offers a network of support to thousands of individuals living in the community.

Mental Disability Rights International
MDRI promotes international oversight of the rights of people with mental disabilities. Drawing on the skills of attorneys, mental health professionals, human rights advocates, people with mental disabilities and family members, MDRI trains advocates seeking legal and service system reform and assists governments to develop laws and policies.

Mental Health Bill of Rights
On February 20, 1997, the leaders of nine allied health organizations representing more than 600,000 health and mental health professionals issued a "Bill of Rights" to protect individuals seeking treatment for mental illnesses and psychological substance use disorders.

Advocacy Checklist, Digested Version

1. Recognize that your mood disorder is an illness or chemical imbalance, not a weakness of character.

2. Work for access to proper medical treatment, and assert your rights to employment, housing, and public benefits.

3. Learn everything you can about your condition, the better to educate the public and government officials.

4. Follow political developments, write to federal and state representatives, and exercise your right to vote.

5. Remember that these representatives are public servants and should be working for you.

6. Exercise your right to petition the federal or state government, either in person, or through lobbyists.

DBSA Advocacy Center

Advocacy

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Advocacy Checklist, Digested Version