Views: My Bill Of Rights

My Bill Of Rights

As users of the mental health services I believe we should have the following rights …

To be treated with respect and dignity
To receive help when we need it
To be consulted in our own treatment and be a central part of the care team
To be listened to and taken seriously
To suggest new options and not have them dismissed without serious discussion
To change psychiatrist, key worker, OT or psychologist if the relationship in not helpful
To have the opportunity to work on issues that affect our mental health through counselling and/or therapy.
To have all out concerns and complaints listened to and acted upon
To have some consistency in our care – it’s difficult to build up a relationship with a professional if they keep changing.
To be given information about our ‘condition’, treatment options and alternative lines of thought.
To have our carers, or someone close to us, involved in decision making if we choose.
To have access to appropriate crisis support 24/7
To be able to choose alternatives to admission into hospital – including small crisis homes, respite and support in our own homes.
To have a care plan, which we co-wrote, that is individual to us and helps us move forward.
To be supported by an advocate (and to be told what services are available)
To get a second opinion from an independent specialist if we feel we need one.
To have information on medication easily available and thus have to power to choose which options we are happy with.
To be able to refuse a specific treatment and be allowed to follow other paths to recovery.
To have the opportunity to be centrally involved in planning and supervising the mental health services.
To have access to the arts, sports and recreational facilities as therapeutic means.
To make an ‘Advance Directive’ outlining how we want to be treated when unwell and to have it adhered to as much as possible.
To have an understanding and compassionate mental health service which enables us to heal.

This list in not exhaustive but outlines some of the things I think are important.