Written & Reviewed by
Gaston Molina
Published on
May 3, 2023

Mental health is an important part of overall health and a better living lifestyle. However, many individuals who’re continuously struggling with severe mental health issues may refuse to get expert help, often due to stigma, fear, or resistance.

As a certified and licensed therapist from Fitcy Health, I understand how frustrating it can be to convince someone to get mental health help when they continuously refuse with anger.

In this guide, I will define various proven strategies and techniques for getting someone mental help when they refuse.

Understanding Why Someone May Refuse Mental Help

There are multiple factors that can affect why an individual may reject mental help.

Stigma is one of the most significant obstructions to getting mental health treatment. Unfortunately, mental health conditions and problems are often looked at as a weakness or a flaw, that leads to shame and embarrassment.

Many individuals may have a fear of the consequences of getting the treatment, such as being labeled as a mental person, losing their dream job, or being discriminated against or tagged in society.

It’s necessary to know that rejecting mental help is not a personal choice, everybody wants to be healthy, but rather a fearful response to the societal and cultural factors that contribute to stigma and discrimination.

Many people have some confusion in their minds about their belief in therapy. They need a more detailed explanation about whether the therapy actually works or not.

By knowing the reasons why a person may refuse help, we can drive the conversation with compassion and empathy.

The Importance of Seeking Help For Mental Health

Mental health issues can directly affect an individual’s quality of life, relationships, and overall health.

Not treating mental health issues can worsen your mental condition, directing toward severe symptoms and other complicated health issues. Getting help for mental health is not a sign of flaw and deficiency but in fact a step of strength.

It’s essential to talk about the importance of getting help for mental health issues to someone who is actually needed.

You can share the success stories of patients who are in your friends and family who have benefited from mental health treatment, explain how the mental health treatment can help to dissolve their symptoms and get back the quality of life, and realizing them that getting help is a most courageous and truthful step towards the recovery and healing.

Strategies For Having The Conversation

Having a conversation about mental health issues and treatment can be challenging, but it’s an important step toward helping someone who rejects mental help. Here are some techniques that can help:

Most people who have social anxiety also get hit with depression anxiety or different mental health conditions. But social anxiety is completely treatable, you just need to follow the proven therapist’s steps to overcome it.

Choose The Best Time & Place

It’s necessary to choose a time and place where the person feels safe and comfortable. Avoid having complicated conversations during a stressful or busy time, and choose a private location where the person can easily express their feelings without having any fear of judgment.

Be Empathetic and Non-Judgmental

Get the conversation in a tone of empathy and compassion, and avoid making any assumptions or judgments about the situation that they’re unable to change. Always show that you care about their health and that you’re with them to support them.

Usage of “I” statements in Sentences

Using the “I” statements in sentences can help you to express your own concerns without coming off as confrontational. For example, “I’m anxious about you, and I think it’s necessary to get mental health treatment.”

Addressing Fears & Concerns About Mental Health Treatment

When someone refuses mental help, it’s often due to concerns and fears about treatment.

To help them overcome these barriers, it’s crucial to address their concerns and fears. Here are some common fears and concerns that may arise:

Fear of Being Labelled

Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing can be helpful in managing social anxiety. These techniques help you stay present at the moment and focus on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. They can help you feel calmer and centered in social situations.

Lifestyle Changes to Support Social Anxiety Recovery

Many individuals fear being labeled with a mental health diagnosis and the potential consequences that come with it. You can reassure them that seeking help is a private and confidential process and that a diagnosis does not define them as a person.

Concerns About Medication

Some individuals may be hesitant to take medication due to concerns about side effects or dependence.

It’s essential to explain that medication can be a helpful tool in managing symptoms and that mental health professionals can work with them to find the right medication and dosage.

Fitcy Health is a platform for online psychologists and therapists who have licensed and certified people who’re dealing with their patients without any medication until they actually need that.

Costing

Cost can be a significant barrier to seeking mental health treatment. You can inform them about low-cost or affordable mental health resources in their community such as online mental health platforms that cut the transportation cost and save time.

Finding The Appropriate Mental Health Professional

Finding the right mental health professional is necessary for successful treatment. When someone runs from mental help, it’s essential to find a mental health professional who they feel comfortable with and who has experience treating their specific mental health condition according to symptoms. Here are some proven tips for identifying the right mental health professional

Find Mental Health Professionals

You can search for mental health professionals in their area using Google localized search by searching the appropriate term or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician or medical insurance provider.

Specific Mental Health Needs

Different mental health professionals specialize in treating specific mental health issues. It’s necessary to find a mental health professional who has experience treating their specific mental health issues or it’s also necessary to use the assistance of a mental health platform to diagnose the correct mental health condition.

In Fitcy Health we provide free assessment of mental health conditions. Take control of your mental health today! Book a session with our expert team at Fitcy Health and start feeling better now. Click here to schedule your appointment.

Schedule a Consultation

Scheduling a consultation with a mental health professional can help them feel more comfortable and confident in seeking treatment. It’s an opportunity for them to ask questions and get to know the mental health professional before committing to treatment.

Encouraging and supporting the individual in seeking help

Getting someone mental help when they refuse requires patience, support, and encouragement. Here are some ways you can encourage and support them in seeking help:

Accompany Them To Appointments

Accompanying them to mental health appointments can help them feel more comfortable and supported.

Provide Emotional Support

Mental health treatment can be a fearful and emotional process. Providing emotional support, such as validating the feelings, listing without any concern, and providing motivation, can help them feel more confident in seeking help.

Celebrate Small Wins

Celebrating small wins, such as attending a mental health appointment or trying a new coping skill or technique can help them stay motivated and encouraged in their mental health journey.

Conclusion

Getting someone mental help when they refuse can be a challenging and complex process. However, with empathy, patience, and support, we can help individuals overcome their barriers to seeking mental health treatment.

Remember that seeking help for mental health is an act of strength and self-care, and that there are many resources available for support.

By working together, we can help individuals on their mental health journey and promote a culture of mental health acceptance and support.

“Take control of your mental health today – speak to our certified experts at Fitcy Health!”

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