Your rights if you have a mental disorder

Sometimes if a person is unwell with a mental disorder they may have to be detained in hospital ('sectioned') or get treatment against their will.

All people have human rights, and people with mental illnesses and disorders have special rights to protect them.

Visit the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland website for information on rights for people with a mental disorder, including:

• the right to independent advocacy (getting someone to speak on your behalf)
• being detained
• being forced to have treatment
• the rights of carers
• safeguarded treatments
• advance statements
• the Mental Health Tribunal

Related content

• Appeal against a Mental Health Tribunal decision
• Apply or appeal to the Mental Health Tribunal

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