when someone refuses to get mental treatment

A person may refuse to accept mental health treatment for many reasons, including:

• He may believe it indicates he is a failure.
• It may make him feel more vulnerable.
• He may be concerned about paying for treatment.
• He may fear a loss of privacy.
• He may have a fear of stigma, particularly if friends or co-workers find out.
• He may believe that treatment is not effective, at...

Full Answer

Why might a person refuse to accept mental health treatment?

When someone you care about refuses treatment, their mental health difficulties are causing major problems, or they refuse to recognize or admit that they have bipolar disorder, a stronger push may be necessary. Interventions are well-known and successful in the treatment of substance abuse disorders.

What to do if a loved one refuses to get treatment?

 · Other reasons for refusing mental health treatment are that he may fear becoming dependent on medications or dread the side effects he has heard rumors of; and he may be concerned that talk therapy may raise up strong emotions that he fears having to deal with.

Can you force a mentally ill person into treatment?

 · Some of the negative outcomes of refusing to take medication for a mental health disorder include: Loss of employment Homelessness Dropping out of school Legal problems Declining physical health Neglect of personal hygiene Loss of …

Why don’t people get help for mental health?

 · There are so many reasons that people refuse to get help. Many are afraid of the stigma attached to mental health issues . Others feel they cannot commit the time and/or financial resources required to engage in therapy.

What do you do when a mentally ill person refuses treatment?

Here are a few things to consider when working with your loved one who doesn't want help:Listen and validate. If your relationship is iffy, it doesn't hurt to just listen. ... Ask questions. ... Resist the urge to fix or give advice. ... Explore options together. ... Take care of yourself and find your own support.

How do you help a mentally ill person who doesn't want help?

Reach out to your own support system. Talk to another friend or family member. Text START to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor. These counselors can support you and offer advice on how to help your friend.

What does it mean when someone refuses to go to therapy?

A person may refuse to accept mental health treatment for many reasons, including: He may believe it indicates he is a failure. It may make him feel more vulnerable. He may be concerned about paying for treatment.

How do you force a mentally ill person to get treated?

Usually, you can't force someone to go to therapy or get psychiatric treatment. However, if you believe that your loved one may be a danger to himself or to others because of a mental condition, in California, for example, you may want to consider a 5150 hold.

What is a psychotic break?

This is a psychotic break — when someone loses touch with reality, experiencing delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and what's called “disorganized” speech.

Where can I take someone who is mentally unstable?

The person I care about is in crisis.Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center, text MHA to 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.Find a local MHA affiliate who can provide services.Find a therapist.Find support groups.Find a hospital.More items...

Can a mentally ill person be forced to take medication?

You have the right to refuse medical treatment or treatment with medications (except in an emergency) unless a capacity hearing is held and a hearing officer or a judge finds that you do not have the capacity to consent to or refuse treatment.

How do you end a relationship with a mentally ill person?

Steps To Take Before Calling It QuitsCheck Your Ego At The Door. You are not the cause of your partner's depression. ... Recruit Outside Help. Share your concerns with trusted friends and family members. ... Don't Make Any Hasty Decisions. ... Set A Deadline. ... Consider The Practical Implications. ... Seek Couple's Counseling.

What are the signs of a mentally unstable person?

Examples of signs and symptoms include:Feeling sad or down.Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate.Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt.Extreme mood changes of highs and lows.Withdrawal from friends and activities.Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping.More items...•

What are the 5 signs of mental illness?

Here are five warning signs of mental illness to watch for, especially when you have two or more of these symptoms.Long-lasting sadness or irritability.Extremely high and low moods.Excessive fear, worry, or anxiety.Social withdrawal.Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits.

How do you get a delusional person to seek help?

Some things to keep in mind as you speak to the person:Pay attention to the emotions of the person.Discuss the way you see the delusion.Express that you are concerned about the person.Offer to pursue therapy together but be strategic.Ask the person why they believe as they do and be open-minded.More items...

How to deal with a loved one's mental health issues?

Speak to a counselor or therapist about your concerns. This is a matter of prioritizing your well-being so that you can maintain your own mental and emotional health regardless of your loved one’s situation.

How does mental health get worse?

Many mental health conditions are progressive – they get worse over time without treatment. For example, if one struggles with substance abuse but seeks or receives no support, their misuse of drugs or alcohol will lead to dependence, a need to use a substance to feel ‘normal’ and functional. Dependence progresses into addiction, a chronic health issue that compels the person to use despite clearly negative consequences and fatal without treatment.

What is intervention in mental health?

An intervention is a mental health professional who can come to your home or the home of your loved one with a support team and arrange a family meeting in which family members share their concerns and express their love and support for the person struggling.

What are the different types of mental health issues?

Nowadays, there exists a broad range of therapy and pharmacological interventions for all kinds of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, mood disorders, personality disorders, and general stress-related conditions and disorders.

What to do if you are in danger of a loved one?

If you find yourself in this situation, the most important thing you can do is seek support for yourself. Connect with support groups, other family members, your family doctor, therapists, or counselors, and seek all the support you can get. You want your loved one to get better, but if you don’t look after yourself first, then you’ll be less able to help them anyway. Finally, if you believe that you’re in immediate danger due to your loved one’s behavior, don’t hesitate to call for help.

What is CAM in mental health?

Moreover, beyond therapy and medication, research has paved the way for a greater understanding of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM), allowing practitioners and providers to take a holistic approach to mental health treatment. These multifaceted approaches prioritize a person’s whole health and well-being rather than simply reducing a person to a set of symptoms that need to be managed.

What is past invalidation?

Past invalidation of one’s personal experience and the confusion and self-doubt that follows (not wanting that to happen again)

Why is refusing to take medication bad for mental health?

In most cases, the individual who is refusing to take medication for their mental health disorder will likely become sicker as a result. Perhaps you have a loved one who struggles with depression, bipolar disorder, or even a psychotic disorder and are frustrated that this person is neglecting their treatment regimen.

Why do people abandon their medication?

There are various reasons why someone may abandon their medication. It is helpful to sit down with a loved one and discuss the issue that is preventing them from treatment compliance. They may need a little coaxing to get back on their medications, or possibly offering to accompany them to the psychiatrist to be their advocate will encourage them to pursue the issue. The bottom line is that the individual needs to follow the treatment plan if they are to experience a better quality of life.

What is it called when a patient is unaware of their illness?

Anosognosia. The term anosognosia indicates the patient seems unaware that they are sick or that they are in need of medication. They simply do not perceive the illness. According to Xavier Amador, Ph.D., who spoke at a convention for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, “People will come up with illogical and even bizarre explanations for symptoms and life circumstances stemming from their illness.”

Why do people stop taking their medications?

Other reasons a patient might stop taking their medications include the expense, mental confusion, distrust of doctor or medical system, or being homeless or imprisoned.

What are the side effects of a mental health medication?

Many of the medications used to treat mental health disorders carry potential side effects. These can range in severity and may include such adverse effects as weight gain, nausea, dizziness, constipation, sexual dysfunction, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, and stomach issues. Poor therapeutic alliance.

What is the best medicine for schizophrenia?

Antipsychotics. These block dopamine in the brain and are prescribed for such mental health disorders as schizophrenia.

What is poor therapeutic alliance?

Poor therapeutic alliance. The relationship between a patient and the psychiatrist or therapist can be influential in patient treatment compliance. When that relationship is poor, it can result in a breakdown in the patient-provider dynamic. This can be caused by a doctor’s lack of listening to the patient, or explaining treatment clearly to them.

Why do people refuse to get help?

There are so many reasons that people refuse to get help. Many are afraid of the stigma attached to mental health issues. Others feel they cannot commit the time and/or financial resources required to engage in therapy.

What happens if you don't control your loved one?

This lack of control naturally leaves many loved ones feeling desperate and helpless— but it doesn't have to.

How to help someone with BPD?

Join support groups and seek out resources for loved ones of people with BPD. Getting involved in these groups and educating yourself about the disorder can help you better understand BPD and make choices about how you want to live your life in relation to your BPD loved one.

What can you do to help a loved one recover?

There are several things you can do to support your loved one's recovery, and many of them include setting your own boundaries and not enabling your loved one's abusive behavior.

What to do if your spouse has BPD?

Whether it’s your spouse, child, parent, sibling, or friend who is exhibiting symptoms of BPD, there are steps you can take to set boundaries in your relationship and improve your own quality of life , even if the person with BPD isn’t ready to acknowledge the problem. All the while, you can continue to encourage your loved one to seek professional ...

How to contact the BPD?

If you or a loved one are struggling with BPD, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

What to do if you don't live together?

If your loved one continues to cross boundaries or make you feel unsafe, you may need to find an alternate living arrangement or, if you don't live together, simply keep your distance from this person. Allowing their abuse to continue does much more harm than good—and not only for you but also for them.

Why do people not seek mental health care?

Let’s take a look at eight of the most common reasons that prevent people from obtaining needed mental health services: 1) Fear and shame. One of the most common reasons for not seeking help is fear and shame. People recognize the negative stigma and discrimination associated with having a mental illness and don’t want to be labeled “mentally ill” ...

Why is it helpful to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional?

Alan, it's often helpful to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional to share these concerns and to get feedback about resources and other options. Hope things start to improve.

What does it mean when someone says "I'm not sick"?

If someone has clear signs of a mental illness but says “there’s nothing wrong with me,” “I’m not sick,” or “I don’t need any help,” this signals a severe lack of insight. This is also known as anosognosia (uh-no-sog-NOH-zee-uh), seen in 50% or more of persons with schizophrenia or other severe mental illnesses. If someone truly believes they aren’t sick, they feel no need to seek or accept treatment.

What are the barriers to mental health care?

8) Practical barriers. Another common barrier to mental health care is inability to pay for treatment due to financial hardship or lack of health insurance.

Why do people believe they are inadequate?

Many people believe they are inadequate or a failure if they have to admit something is “wrong” with their mental health. Further, they believe they “should be able to handle things” on their own without assistance and that they must be weak or inferior to have to ask for help.

Why do people worry about telling a stranger about their problems?

Many express concern about “telling a stranger” about their problems. Additionally, they worry that their personal information won’t be kept confidential. Some people have become demoralized by their mental health issues and believe “nothing will help me” or “I’ll never get better.”.

What happens if you don't believe you are sick?

If someone truly believes they aren’t sick, they feel no need to seek or accept treatment. A person may acknowledge some mental health concerns but can lack full awareness of their significance or really don’t understand they have an actual illness.

What are some mental health problems?

A mental health problems can come from many other health issues such as diabetes, heart problem, infections, etc. You may find the prescription the same as that of these common health issues. The medicines may include pills for blood pressure, cancer, cholesterol, acne, etc.

How to convince your spouse to get treatment?

If it is hard to convince your spouse for the treatment, you must talk to his close friends and family. Sometimes, other people can help in solving your problem. When you work as a team, it is easy to develop more encouragement and confidence. Together, you can easily convince your partner to go for the right treatment.

What happens when your partner is depressed?

When your partner is depressed or feeling anxious, then his actions can affect you severely. You need to accept the changes and start living with caution and care. You have to imagine that you are dealing with a new baby at your home.

How to help someone who is lonely?

Share your time, care, love, and support so that they do not feel lonely. You should stay close to them so that they approach you automatically. They may need your help, but they will never tell.

Can a spouse accept mental health issues?

It can be a similar case with your spouse. Sometimes, you feel that your partner is suffering from depression or anxiety, and he cannot accept his flaws. You might have noticed that whenever you initiate taking him to a doctor, he always refuses to go.

Can you keep yourself as it is and suffering severely?

There is a possibility of fear and embarrassment. But keeping yourself as it is and suffering severely is not an appropriate solution. You have to do many things in order to make sure that your partner is receiving the right treatment, and one day, he will get cured.

Do people with mental health problems feel treated?

Generally, people with a mental health condition do not feel treated, and it is important to convince them. The process will take time, but later, you will not regret it. If you need professional help, then you can also seek it.

How to help someone with mental illness?

You’ll probably feel relieved once your loved one is stable, but for them this may be just the beginning. Especially if this is their first time, be there for them as they come to terms with their mental illness. Be patient as they go through the process of grieving this change in their life. And most of all, be supportive of their own recovery process. Make sure that they have a role in managing their own illness. It’s tempting to try and take control—but that’s disempowering for them, and it will make it harder for everyone moving forward.

How long do you have to be off drugs before you can be admitted to a hospital?

They’ll need to be off drugs for 72 hours before a hospital can clearly diagnose any type of mental illness, like psychosis. Once they’re admitted, your loved one will be monitored, kept safe, and possibly given medications.

How to tell a family member they are having a psychotic break?

When you admit your family member to a hospital, tell the staff what is going on—for example, that you think they are having a psychotic break. Explain to them whether this is the first time this has happened, or how long it’s been going on and what symptoms you’ve seen. The hospital will want to make sure your loved one has not used drugs. They’ll need to be off drugs for 72 hours before a hospital can clearly diagnose any type of mental illness, like psychosis.

What is considered a gravely disabled person?

A person can be involuntarily committed to a hospital if they are a danger to themselves, a danger to others, or gravely disabled. They are considered a danger to themselves if they have stated that they are planning to harm themselves. Likewise, they present a danger to others if they have stated that they intend to harm someone else. Grave disability is when someone is sick and can’t make decisions for themselves. Someone who is having a psychotic break may not verbalize intent to harm anyone, but they likely meet the criteria for grave disability. The same goes for someone who is experiencing a drug overdose.

What is a psychotic break?

A psychotic break can be the result of drug use, or a symptom of a mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Can hospital staff treat you differently?

Hospital staff may treat them or you differently, and the process is more difficult for an involuntary commitment. Your loved one may come out of the experience feeling like you don’t respect their decisions, which can set them back in their recovery. Whenever possible, it’s best to make treatment decisions together.

Can police be trained in mental health?

Remember that police aren’t trained in mental health, and seeing them can scare people. Whenever possible, it’s best to rely on support systems that include people with mental health backgrounds.

Mental Health Treatment

Why Do People Refuse Mental Health Treatment?

What to Do When A Loved One Says No to Mental Help

• Educate yourself on their illness
  Learn about your loved one’s experience to ease some of your fear and confusion. By increasing your understanding of what they’re going through, you feel more grounded and secure, and you’ll also find it easier to understand and listen to them. There are plenty of psychoeducational resou…
• Don’t push too hard
  You might be tempted to push, demand, or exert authority over the loved one in one question because you know that professional help is for the best. Even if there is discomfort and resistance now, you believe that everything will be ok once they get that help. It’s normal to think this way, e…

See more on selfcarefundamentals.com

Conclusion