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What You Need to Know
When Facing Mental Health Rights Issues
Understand the risks and protect yourself.
When encountering unfair treatment in the workplace, school, or healthcare system, many people may feel confused, fearful, or even question whether they are “overreacting”. Such experiences often involve an infringement of rights, but they are also deeply connected to our emotions, relationships, and future choices.
This information is here to help you:
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Better understand the risks and possible consequences of taking action
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Learn practical ways to protect yourself appropriately
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Make informed choices in different situations
Content
Before Taking Action: Risks to Consider
Each situation carries its own level of risk. We encourage you to reflect on the following possibilities, assess what level of risk you can manage, and make the decision that feels most appropriate for your situation.
Common Actions
Possible Risks
Filing a formal complaint at work or school
May lead to worsened relationships or retaliatory treatment (for example, cold responses, reassignment, or labelling)
Disclosing diagnosis or treatment progress
May attract prejudice, stigma, or unfair treatment.
Making the incident public (for example, on social media)
Higher privacy risks, limited control over public reaction, added emotional or relational pressure.
Confronting the person directly
May trigger conflict, defensive reactions, or communication breakdown.
Taking legal action
Can be time-consuming, emotionally draining, and costly (unless supported by legal aid)
There is no standard answer or absolute right or wrong in any choice.
You have the right to weigh the risks and choose the approach that best fits your situation.
Common Self-Protection Strategies
（These are not avoidance, but strategic forms of self-care and preparation）
Here are some steps you can begin with even if you are uncertain about taking formal action:
1) Keep a Record
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Write down what happened, including details of conversations, instructions, or events, preferably through email or written notes rather than relying only on verbal exchanges.
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Record your own experiences and emotions in your own words. This helps you clarify the sequence of events later on.
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Save any letters, notices, or messages from others (including screenshots).
2) Take to Someone You Trust
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Share with trusted family members, friends, or support organisations. This can help release emotions and clarify your thoughts.
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Before taking any formal action, practise possible conversations and assess potential risks together.
3) Protect Your Privacy and Personal Data
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Avoid disclosing your diagnosis or medical history unless you fully understand how that information will be used and you feel free to make your own decision.
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If you are asked to share sensitive information, you may politely ask about the reason, purpose, and how the information will be protected.
4) Keep Your Options Open
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Not everything has to be solved immediately. You may observe, wait, and act when the time feels right.
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Sometimes “waiting” is not a weakness, but a way to care for and protect your current state.
5) Use Available Resources
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Ask specific questions to understand your legal position.
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You do not have to act right away. Gaining awareness of your situation and your rights is already an empowering step.
A Gentle Reminder: Taking Action is a Choice
“Should I file a complaint?”
“If I speak up publicly, will it harm me?”
“Am I too sensitive for feeling this way?”
These are all real and understandable questions.
But please remember:
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You have the right to feel uncomfortable, and you have the right not to respond immediately.
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You do not have to face this alone.
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Even if you choose not to take any action, you still deserve respect.
If you wish to understand more or seek initial advice:
