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Looking for help?
Looking for help?
Dealing with mental illness, learning disability, dementia or a related condition can be hard. It can be frustrating. It can be confusing. It helps to have as much information as possible.
Here you can find information on some common conditions and on your rights, as well as some of the treatments and support available.
Your rights
The Mental Welfare Commission puts individuals with a mental illness, learning disability, dementia or related condition at the heart of all we do, promoting their welfare and safeguarding their rights.
Find out more about your rights below.
Sometimes, when people are unwell, they may have to be detained in hospital or have treatment against their will. But they still have rights. We all have human rights, and mental health law contains special rights and safeguards to protect people.
Common conditions
People with mental illness, learning disability, dementia and related conditions should have good treatment that meets their needs and respects their rights. We do our best to help make sure this happens.
The law often talks about people with a "mental disorder". That term can cover lots of different conditions.
Here you can find an overview of some of the most common conditions.
The law often talks about people with a "mental disorder". That term can cover lots of different conditions.
Here you can find an overview of some of the most common conditions. Many people will have more than one condition, and many more will have a diagnosis that is not listed here.
Of course, every person is an individual and whatever condition they are diagnosed with is only part of their identity.
Getting treatment
For some people, a mental illness is a one-off; something that happens once and passes. Other people have many episodes of mental illness.
There are lots of treatments available to help people to recover from, or to live a better life with, a mental illness.
Of course, every person with a mental illness is different, and their road to recovery will be different. The best treatment for you will depend on the kind of person you are, as well as your diagnosis.
Help for carers
The Commission aims to protect and promote the human rights of people with mental illness, learning disability, dementia and related conditions. We are also committed to providing support to friends and family who are involved in their care.
Looking after a family member or friend in these situations can have an enormous impact on a carer's life too, and it is important that they know where to go for help and advice.
Leaflets for individuals
This information might be particularly useful for people who are receiving care or treatment, in hospital or in the community, or for their carers and relatives.
Suicidal feelings
If you are having thoughts of suicide, please talk to someone.
If you are worried that someone is suicidal, ask them. Most people who attempt suicide do not want to die, they just don't feel able to cope with the pain of life.
Suicide and suicidal feelings are often, but not always, linked to mental illness. Lots of people who attempt to take their own lives have never had contact with mental health services.
Suicide is rare, but nonetheless it is one of the main causes of death among young people in Scotland. Thinking about suicide is a common response in an urgent situation, but immediate help is available.
Advice Line
We provide an Advice Line during office hours. You can call for advice and information on rights and good practice to do with:
• Mental health and incapacity law
• Care and treatment
If you would like to talk to someone at the Commission, you can also email or write to us by post.