Taking Charge: A guide to surviving the mental health system

Taking Charge is a collection of resources created by people with lived experience to help consumers navigate the mental health system.

The guides provide practical information about accessing support, preparing for inpatient care, understanding your rights and connecting with advocacy.

Where are you right now?

If you feel like your mental health isn’t great and you need support, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Many people start by speaking with a General Practitioner (GP) who can create a mental health care plan and refer you to other services.

You may also be able to access support through Mental Health Locals, which provide walk-in mental health services and often include peer support workers.

Read our resource: Entering the Mental Health System

Preparing for an inpatient stay can help you communicate your preferences and manage practical responsibilities while you are away.

You may wish to plan for responsibilities at home, arrange care for dependents, and prepare documents outlining your treatment preferences.

Resources:

Being in an inpatient mental health setting can feel confusing or overwhelming.

Understanding the environment, the rules, and the people who can support you can help you navigate the experience.

While in hospital you still have the right to communicate with others and seek advocacy support if needed.

Resources:

Advocates provide independent support to help people understand their rights and express their views when navigating services.

An advocate can help you explore options, attend meetings with you, and support you to communicate your preferences.

Resources:

Leaving hospital or services can be a time of adjustment.

Reconnecting with communities, hobbies and peer support groups can help rebuild connection and wellbeing.

Resources:

If you have had a negative experience with a mental health service, you may wish to raise concerns or make a complaint.

It can help to take time to prepare, identify the outcome you want, and seek support from an advocate or trusted person during the process.

Complaints may first need to be raised with the service before being taken to oversight bodies such as the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission or Health Complaints Commissioner.

Resources:

Download the full resource pack

All Taking Charge resources are available as downloadable fact sheets and templates.

Need support?

VMIAC provides advocacy and support for mental health consumers in Victoria.

Phone: (03) 9380 3900

Email: reception@vmiac.org.au

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