Caregivers Bill of Rights
I have the right…
To take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the capability of taking better care of my seriously mentally ill relative/friend. To seek help from others even though my relative/friend may object. I recognize the limits of my own endurance and strength. To maintain facets of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if they were healthy. I know that I do everything that I reasonably can for this person and I have the right to do things just for myself. To get angry, be depressed, and express other difficult feelings occasionally. To reject any attempt by my relative/friend (either conscious or unconscious) to manipulate me through guilt, anger or depression. To receive consideration, affection, forgiveness and acceptance for what I do from my loved one as long as I offer these qualities in return. To take pride in what I am accomplishing and to applaud the courage it has sometimes taken me to meet the needs of my relative/friend. To protect my individuality and my right to make a life for myself that will sustain me in the time when my relative/friend no longer needs me full time. To expect and demand that as new studies are made in finding resources to aid persons living with a mental illness and in recovery, that similar strides will be made toward aiding and supporting their caregivers.
