Affirmations of Caregivers (To be read in Self Help Support Group Meetings of Care Givers)
1. As much as, and as long as possible and till such time it is required by my care receiver, I shall continue to take care of him or her. But I have also a right to take care of myself and it is not selfishness. If I look after myself well, then only I would be able to take good care of my care receiver. 2. While looking after a care receiver, depending upon the circumstances, I have a right to take help of others for I have my limitations in regard to physical capacity and mental endurance. 3. While looking after my care receiver, I have a right to preserve my own identity, be the way I am and to go by my own likes and dislikes. 4. Occasional expression of annoyance, resentment, distaste, dislike, unhappiness, frustration, fatigue, grief, sorrow etc. is human and it is my right to some time express such feelings. 5. I have a right to reject any attempt by a relative or any other person to manipulate me and exploit my emotions and feelings towards care receiver and my bonding with him or her. 6. It is my right to feel gratified and experience contentment for physical and mental stress, social ostracization and other discomforts I under go out of love and duty towards my care receiver. 7. It is my right to accept in humility any appreciation, approval, applaud, consideration or support, I receive for the care I provide to my care receiver. 8. It is my right to decide on appropriate treatment and take other decisions in the best interest and on behalf of my care receiver, permissible under the law, when the care receiver is in need of high support close to 100% dependence. Any other arrangement would not be in the interest of the care receiver. 9. As a care giver I am an important stake holder and it is my right to be recognized so by the society. 10. It my right to live a life of dignity with my care receiver in the community like any other citizen. 11. It is my right to demand and strive for provision of better medical facilities by the government at affordable cost for my care receiver and appropriate schemes for rehabilitation so that the care receiver can lead a life close to normal life. 12. It is my right to be associated with all important developments and decision making concerning mental illness. Compiled by Amrit -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
