Why is it necessary to talk about mental health rights?

Because there is no recovery without rights.

Recovery is living a full life, in the way the person chooses, having a meaningful life project, even though they may continue to experience some symptoms of the mental health disorder. And for this, each person needs to be able to make decisions about the important aspects of their life, feel integrated and be part of the community.

People with a mental health problem need adequate care and guarantees to exercise their rights under equal conditions. The free exercise of their citizenship reduces their suffering and, at the same time, helps to launch recovery and empowerment processes. In addition, it increases their well-being and that of the people around them (such as family members, friends and professionals who care for them).

Thus, a healthy community, a community with good mental health, is one that knows, promotes, defends and guarantees the rights of all the people who make it up. Knowing and defending the rights of people with mental health problems involves all of society.