Watching someone you’re close to and care about, live with unaddressed mental illness can be devastating and heartbreaking. While you may want to just tell them it’s time to get help, this is rarely the method that works and is more often the method that creates strife and conflict. Even if you feel like you’ve hit a point where you can’t take any more, it’s important to understand how scared they may be to get professional help.
More often than not, when we push, there is an equal or greater pushback. This usually results in things getting worse and helps to become less likely, which is exactly what you don’t want. We’re going to take a look at how to get someone psychiatric help when they refuse or don’t want to participate.
How to Get Someone Psychiatric Help When They Refuse
It can be difficult trying to think of how to get mental health treatment for someone who refuses, but it is still incredibly important. The most crucial thing to remember is that you simply can’t force someone into treatment unless they represent a threat to themselves or others. Recovery is challenging, and it can be helpful to remember that your friend hasn’t even taken the first step on the road to recovery yet. Luckily, there are several ways to help them start down the path to treatment, and some common methods are below.
Listen & Validate
No matter what your relationship is with the person that you feel should seek help, one of the easiest things to do is simply sit and listen to what they want to tell you. It doesn’t matter what it is that they want to say or tell you, quietly sit and listen to it. Be sure you practice active listening. Face them, make eye contact, and truly connect with them.
When appropriate, validate their feelings by letting them know that you understand they are struggling, and empathizing with their situation. People who feel like those around them don’t care are less likely to seek help, and showing them that others are willing to take the time to hear them can open the door to treatment.
Ask Questions
Sometimes we’re too concerned with our own desire and drive to help this person seek treatment, that we neglect to find out crucial information about what they want. Knowing what they’re feeling can help you connect with them, and will open the door to more detailed, honest conversation.
They may open up that they want treatment, but don’t know where to begin, for example. This can present an opportunity to help them reach their goals, and for you to help support them in that journey.
Don’t Give Advice
Even though you think you’re being helpful, one of the last things that someone in a vulnerable position with an untreated mental illness wants is for someone who has no idea what they’re going through to give them unrequested advice. There will be times when you are asked for your input but make sure you keep the focus on them.
Find Additional Support
If you feel like you simply need more help, begin building a support network of people who care. Reach out to their other friends and family members with your concerns. They can offer support and advice and can help keep you grounded.
For More Information On How To Get Mental Health Treatment For Someone Who Refuses
If someone close to you is struggling with mental illness but refuses to seek treatment, make sure you don’t overstep boundaries, but make sure they know you’re concerned and there to listen if they need it. When they are ready or to gather information to be prepared when they are, reach out to Casa Recovery to discuss the details of the treatment needed, in a private environment.