Maricela Estrada is the author of Bipolar Girl: My Psychotic Self. Estrada received her Associates of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Rio Hondo College in Whittier, CA and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from California State University, Fullerton. She works for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health as a Peer Advocate. A Peer Advocate is a trained professional with life experience that is now able to reach out to others by providing peer support. Estrada believes that Bipolar Disorder is a gift of challenge that has made her stronger, resilient, loving, compassionate and caring. She does not see it is a disability but as a strength. Through this gift, she has become a motivational speaker on hope, wellness and recovery. After years thirteen years of being in and out of mental hospitals, she has found the ultimate strength to persevere and shine. Estrada’s mission is to reach out and share her story, spreading a message of hope all over the world.