We've all seen the headlines about Britney Spears' breakdown and the turning over of her financial assests to her father. For millions of Americans diagnosed with mental illnesses this is more than just another celebrity gossip story, it is a very possible reality.

Mental illness affects every aspect of your life from your personal relationships to your jobs to your finances. If you are ever forceably committed then someone can petition to be your conservator. The only way you can have a say in that is to plan ahead during times of normalicy.

The first thing you need to do is layout a plan for your health care during your incapacitation. The reason for this is simple...you don't want someone sending you to a craphole of a healthcare facility based on nothing but "pretty advertising" in the phone book. You need to ask questions of fellow patients to find out which facilities provide quality treatment and which ones are understaffed and financially strapped. Make a list of three facilities in order of preference.

Next, make sure your health coverage will cover the facility you choose. Find out exactly how many inpatient days are covered and for what reasons (believe it or not some plans will cover drug abuse but not actual mental illness). Find out what the pre-approval process requires and how long it takes. Find out your provider's definition of an "emergency admission."

Now, look at local emergency rooms. Choose one that is close by and has a good reputation.

After taking care of your medical plans you will need to make plans for your estate. This step is a must whether you make $40 million/year or $20,000/year. You need to name someone you trust to pay your bills and check on your property while you are hospitalized.

Then contact an attorney to draw up papers with your instructions. This insures your desires are followed while you are incapacitated.

Finally, start putting back an emergency fund for just this reason. It isn't easy but you will need it. Hospital stays are expensive. Having a nest egg to help pay for it will reduce your stress after your release. Less stress means a better chance of a quicker recover.

Remember, it's your life. If you want a say in it then you need to plan ahead.