What can I do for mental health rights?

We all have a share of responsibility in respecting and guaranteeing the rights of people (and people with mental health problems) in all areas of their lives.

This includes respecting (or not violating) the rights of another person, protecting them or preventing others from violating them, and exercising those rights, taking steps to ensure that everyone has the same protection. But it also means reporting potential violations that we identify. To do this, the first step is always to know what those rights are.

To begin with, it is important that people with a mental health problem know their rights and exercise them; that they take charge of their lives and decide on important aspects such as treatment, housing, education or work, and that they ask for the information and support they need at all times to do so. They can also support other people and form groups to claim their rights collectively.

It is important that People with a mental health problem know their rights and exercise them; that they take control of their lives and decide on important aspects.

Families can also play a prominent role in protecting and respecting the rights of family members who have a mental health problem, and can develop caring relationships that promote the person's autonomy and support them in claiming and defending their rights.

As for health and social service workers , they must know the rights of the people they serve, identify healthcare practices that may violate them and take measures to change them, thus favoring recovery processes. They can also seek support from other specialized professionals (lawyers, NGOs, peer support agents, etc.).

In the field of education and work with children and adolescents, it is important to be able to educate about disability and mental health, and talk about the value of acceptance and respect for diversity.

It is necessary for everyone, people with mental health problems, their family and close environment, professionals and citizens in general, to know and talk about human rights and, as far as possible, encourage respect for them and promote changes that improve the exercise of these rights.