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.
Full Answer
Why do people refuse to seek mental health treatment?
Other reasons why one might refuse to receive or seek treatment include: Fear of the consequences of admitting one’s mental illness (job loss, loss of custody…) Past invalidation of one’s personal experience and the confusion and self-doubt that follows (not wanting that to happen again)
Why don’t people with mental health or addiction problems seek treatment?
People with mental health or addiction problems are not always willing to seek treatment. They may not believe there is a problem. Or they may feel that they can address the issue on their own, without treatment. The person may also have fears about the mental health system or concerns about the stigma of a mental health or addiction diagnosis.
Is it normal for mental health treatment to not work?
This is really, really common. When treatment doesn't work it feels like your fault - but it isn't your fault. Mental illness can be very difficult to treat and you just haven't found what you need yet. It's natural to blame yourself, but please know, that's just the disease talking. It's not you.
What percentage of people with mental health concerns never receive treatment?
Between 30 and 80 percent of people with mental health concerns never receive treatment. From this analysis, the average non-treatment rates for specific disorders were: schizophrenia (32%), bipolar disorder (50%), panic disorder (55%), major depression (56%),...
What do you do if someone refuses mental health 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 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 happens if mental health isn't treated?
Without treatment, the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are staggering. Untreated mental health conditions can result in unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, and suicide, and poor quality of life.
How do you force someone to get a mental evaluation?
While you cannot force someone to get evaluated or receive treatment, you can encourage them to get help or raise your concerns with their primary physician. The person suffering from mental illness may resist treatment for several reasons.
How do you deal with a mentally unstable family member?
Try to show patience and caring and try not to be judgmental of their thoughts and actions. Listen; don't disregard or challenge the person's feelings. Encourage them to talk with a mental health care provider or with their primary care provider if that would be more comfortable for them.
Can you be forced to go to a mental hospital?
The Mental Health Act is the law which sets out when you can be admitted, detained and treated in hospital against your wishes. It is also known as being 'sectioned'. For this to happen, certain people must agree that you have a mental disorder that requires a stay in hospital.
What is considered severe mental illness?
Serious mental illness (SMI) commonly refers to a diagnosis of psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, and either major depression with psychotic symptoms or treatment-resistant depression; SMI can also include anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and personality disorders, if the degree of functional impairment is ...
What are the 5 signs of mental illness?
The five main warning signs of mental illness are as follows:Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety.Long-lasting sadness or irritability.Extreme changes in moods.Social withdrawal.Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern.
Does untreated mental illness cause brain damage?
Luckily, a combination of therapy and medication can help treat anxiety and depression. But if left untreated, anxiety and depression can damage the brain.
Can you force someone into therapy?
Self-care, psychologists note, is critical when in the presence of others who can clearly benefit from therapy but aren't seeking it. “'At some point, you have to protect yourself'” these experts remind us, “'You cannot force someone else to get help'” (as quoted by Neilson, 2017, para 8).
What is a 5150 hold?
5150 is the number of the section of the Welfare and Institutions Code, which allows an adult who is experiencing a mental health crisis to be involuntarily detained for a 72- hour psychiatric hospitalization when evaluated to be a danger to others, or to himself or herself, or gravely disabled.
How can you get someone sectioned?
Someone can only be sectioned if they meet certain criteria, these are:Their mental health problem is so severe that they need urgent assessment and treatment.They are a danger to themselves or others due to their mental health.
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” ...
What are the factors that prevent people from getting treatment?
Not having reliable transportation, child care issues and appointments for treatment that conflict with work or school schedules can also prevent someone from engaging in treatment. Addressing the problem. Any one of these factors which delay or prevent appropriate care can be very difficult to overcome.
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 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.
Does mental health insurance cover out of pocket?
The recent expansion in the US of mental health insurance benefits has opened up new care options for many people who were previously uninsured and who couldn’t afford to pay out of pocket for their treatment.
Why don't people take medication?
Fuller Torrey, a psychiatrist and schizophrenia researcher, believes that among those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, anosognosia is the most prevalent reason for not taking medications. The problem is with the 50 percent who do not have insight into their illness.
What to do if someone is in danger?
If the person is a threat of danger to others, such as physical violence with a weapon or not, call 911 and seek shelter for yourself and children. If no danger is detected, try to remain courteous and non-threatening, but be honest and direct. Listen to the person in a non-judgmental way.
What does it mean when someone is depressed?
When the pain of depression or mental illness becomes too much to bear, people often cope by finding something powerful to replace the pain. Something that feels really, really good to them. So good that they want it again and again until it turns into an addiction.
Does Psych Central review?
Psych Central does not review the content that appears in our blog network (blogs.psychcentral.com) prior to publication. All opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the author alone, and do not reflect the views of the editorial staff or management of Psych Central. Published on PsychCentral.com.
Is stigma still alive?
The Stigma of Mental Illness. Although it is not at all easy to admit that one has a mental illness, the stigma of mental illness is still alive and rampant. Three out of four people with a mental illness report that they have experienced stigma.Stigma is a mark of disgrace that sets a person apart. When a person is labelled by their illness they ...
Do people with bipolar have mental illness?
Many individuals with bipolar and schizophrenic disorders do not seem to recognize that they suffer from a mental illness. A syndrome has been identified in individuals, particularly individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, who adamantly refuse to believe that they need help or treatment. Anosognosia is a deficit of self-awareness, ...
What to do if family member is unwilling to go to hospital?
If they are unwilling to go to the hospital, call 911. Explain that it is a mental health emergency, in case there is a mental health crisis response team. Keep yourself safe. If your family member is agitated, threatening or aggressive, call 911 while making sure you and others are safe. The Mental Health Act provides another way, ...
How to plan for a crisis?
Try to predict possible crises and plan what you would do. A crisis plan should include contact information for: 1 the nearest hospital 2 crisis lines 3 the local police department 4 a treatment provider 5 a child care provider, if relevant 6 family members or supportive friends.
How long can a person stay in hospital?
If a physician believes a person is a risk to themself or others, they can write a Form 1. With a Form 1, the person may remain in hospital for up to 72 hours while they receive an emergency assessment.
How to get support for yourself and your family?
It is helpful to get connected with family support. This could include attending an education session, meeting with a therapist or joining a support group. There are also peer family supports in the community.
Can a Form 2 affect a family member?
Using a Form 2 can negatively affect the relationship you have with your family member, so consider its use carefully. The police may also take a person to hospital if they, or someone else, have seen the person behaving dangerously as a result of a mental health concern, or if they have a Form 1 or Form 2.
Is it legal to decide if you want treatment?
Everyone has the legally protected right to decide if they want treatment. Also, treatment is usually most effective when the person has agreed to it. However, in some situations, the Mental Health Act provides ways for people to receive an emergency assessment without their consent. Form 1.
Can a family member make a self referral?
Suggest that the person see their family doctor or make an appointment at a treatment centre. Sometimes it may be possible for your family member to make a self-referral to a treatment centre, and in other cases a physician referral may be required.
How to help someone who is receiving treatment?
When your loved one is receiving treatment, offer support while not trying to “fix” everything. Allow them to be able to do small steps for themselves, which will create self-empowerment and be the beginning of independence. Offer to do things they like with them, such as exercising, music, art, or going to a movie with them.
What happens if a person with schizophrenia refuses treatment?
When a loved one with schizophrenia refuses treatment, even when their symptoms are getting worse, it could be time to look for additional assistance. If they don’t have a conservator, it could be very challenging making them do something they don’t want to do.
What does it mean when you don't know you have schizophrenia?
They might not realize they need to receive treatment if they aren’t aware they are ill, as about half of the diagnosed population have anosognosia —the definition when someone doesn’t realize they have a serious mental illness. People who have schizophrenia often have symptoms of hallucinations or delusions, which may “tell” them what to do. ...
What is the National Alliance on Mental Illness?
Learn everything you can about the illness, different methods of treatment, and attend support groups. A terrific resource for information on mental illness can be found through The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.) NAMI offers family free family courses for caregivers of people who have mental illnesses.
How to support a loved one in treatment?
When your loved one has entered treatment, a team of family and friends can design a plan for support. This can help those around them to not “burn out” as they provide care. The support team, (whether it’s 2 or 10) can be on the lookout for signs of relapse.
How to know if someone is schizophrenic?
When your loved one has entered treatment, a team of family and friends can design a plan for support. This can help those around them to not “burn out” as they provide care. The support team, (whether it’s 2 or 10) can be on the lookout for signs of relapse. Schizophrenic patients often exhibit symptoms when they have stopped taking medication. Signs can include: 1 Disorganized thoughts 2 Hallucinations 3 Delusions 4 Suicidal ideation 5 Withdrawal and isolation 6 Difficulty with communicating 7 Bizarre actions
How to help someone who feels unsafe?
Try not to exhibit strong emotions, as it can trigger someone to feel unsafe. Apply active listening skills. By repeating in your own words (not parroting) what they say, your loved one will feel heard. Take the first step. We're here to help. Don’t wait another day to get the help you or a loved one needs.
How to help someone with mental illness?
Ways to help someone who may have a mental illness: Find a suitable time to discuss your concerns with the person and let them know you are on their side.
Why do people not seek help?
Possible reasons someone decides not seek help may include the person: not having insight into the problem. being scared to seek treatment and is afraid of the unknown and what would happen in hospital. feeling overwhelmed with the process of seeking help and not know where to start in terms of asking for help.
What can a religious leader do to help someone with mental illness?
Religious leaders can provide guidance, counselling and help link people to further support services in the community.
How to strengthen your mental health?
There are many activities you can take part in to strengthen you own mental health. Some examples to help yourself include: Consider seeing a health professional for counselling to deal with the range of feelings experienced caring for someone with a mental illness. Pursue some new hobbies and activities.
What does it mean to be scared of someone who has a mental illness?
having had a negative experience with seeking help before and does not want it to occur again. being scared what will happen if they admit they have a mental illness (e.g. lose custody of a child) feeling embarrassed about asking for help. worrying about the stigma attached to mental illness.
Why isn't someone receptive to treatment?
Often a person is concerned about how others around them will react to having a mental illness or sometimes the individual may not recognize the scope of impairment that the mental illness has on their life.
What is a mental health nurse?
Mental Health Nurse— A specialised type of nurse who cares for people with mental illness. The term ‘psychiatric nurse’ is also used. Mental Health Team—community mental health teams comprise of multi-disciplinary professionals and provide comprehensive mental health services to people experiencing mental illness.
How to help someone who is worried about you?
Keep trying, asking questions, listening, and reflecting. Help them feel heard and ask again. Continue to say things like, “I’m really worried about you. I’m thinking we should just go get checked out by a doctor to see what’s going on.”. Reassure them that you’ll stay with them and help them through the process.
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 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 you go to the hospital against your will?
Still, there’s a time and a place for taking someone to the hospital against their will. 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.
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.
Treatment Doesn't Work
I have experienced far more treatment failures than I have successes. I'm what you call treatment-resistant, also known as a doctor's nightmare. A doctor gives me pills, I get every side effect. I do therapy and I know what the therapist is going to say before they say it. I make other changes in my life to little or no effect.
Why Bother?
A friend of mine sometimes gets depressed. And he told me, he forces himself to go outside and do things anyway. When I asked him why, he said he knew staying inside wasn't going to make him feel better, but outside there was at least a tiny chance something would happen to make him less depressed.
Treatment, Even That You've Already Tried, Can Work
Today is not yesterday and today sure isn't three years ago. You're not the same. Your illness is not the same. You may not have seen a good response three years ago, but you might today. Or tomorrow. Or a month from now.
Why don't people start psychotherapy?
Depressed people often don't start psychotherapy because they're afraid they'll spend the rest of their lives on the couch like Woody Allen. This does happen, but it's possible to be a smart consumer of mental health. Set reasonable goals with a therapist or psychiatrist and set a timeframe to accomplish that goal.
Can you learn to chip away at adversity?
Then you can chip away at the adversity in a way that makes sense. But you can learn to stubbornly refuse to be miserable while you chip away at the adversity. Some adversity takes a long time to modify so by changing your beliefs first you can enjoy life until the circumstances of life change. Reply to Anna Vu.
Can you recover from an infection without antibiotics?
Think about this comparison: Some people recover from serious infections without the use of antibiotics. Without antibiotics, however, infections take much longer to heal. Refusing antibiotics can put a person at greater risk for more serious infection, even death.
Mental Health Treatment
- The quality of compassionate and informed mental health treatment has made great strides since the mid-20th century. 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 conditionsand disord…
Why Do People Refuse Mental Health Treatment?
- There has for a long time been a stigma around mental health and seeking treatment. Fortunately, this stigma has lifted significantly in recent years with an exponential increase in mental health advocacy. The use of the internet, particularly social media, has been used to promote the importance of mental health awareness and provide a greater understanding of different, more h…
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…
Conclusion
- There is hope for those struggling with mental health. Many people can and do recover from all mental health issues with adequate and timely treatment. Still, understand that your loved one’s refusal of help is not your fault and need not be a source of guilt. If you find yourself in this situation, the most important thing you can do is seek support for yourself. Connect with suppor…