
Some students have endured agonizing personal experiences or have verifiably serious mental health issues for which they seek help, while others need support but refuse to pursue it. Some with temporary challenges seek it, and a few may even invent mental health issues as excuses for special treatment.
Why might a person refuse to accept mental health 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.
How should college students with mental health problems be treated?
Finally, important aspects of treatment to consider when treating college students with mental health problems are outlined, such as the importance of including parents in the treatment, communicating with other providers, and employing of technology to increase adherence.
Why do non-traditional students have more mental health problems?
Similarly, non-traditional students who may have to attend to the demands of their numerous roles (work and family) may experience an exacerbation of their symptoms or a relapse. Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric problems among college students, with approximately 11.9 % of college students suffering from an anxiety disorder [1].
How can I help my child who refuses to go to school?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This highly structured form of therapy helps children identify their maladaptive thought patterns and learn adaptive replacement behaviors. Children learn to confront and work through their fears. 3. Systemic desensitization: Some children struggling with school refusal need a graded approach to returning to school.

What do you do if someone refuses mental health treatment?
If the person refuses to follow the treatment plan, he/she can be sent to jail. Mental health courts have been shown to be very effective in keeping people on medication, and in reducing rehospitalizations, incarcerations, and violent behavior.
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.
How do I help my teenager who doesn't want help?
Encourage them to list their symptoms, when they occur and how they feel about them. Think of this as a way to help them open up and be more comfortable with getting support. Offer to go with them to the appointment, but be respectful of how they want to manage their own health.
Why do students not seek help for a mental disorder?
Other common reasons why many young people do not seek mental health services include concerns about confidentiality, lack of time, cost, negative experiences with seeking professional help, uncertainty if professional help will be beneficial, as well as preference for relying on other sources of support, including ...
What to do with someone who doesn't want to do anything?
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 someone that doesn't want to help themselves?
Continue to be supportive. Ways that you can do this are providing them with assistance if needed like taking them to or from treatment and helping them with daily chores. You could also encourage activities like exercise, going out to dinner with friends, or watching a funny movie. Most importantly, don't avoid them.
What do you do if your teenager refuses to go to counseling?
Options for When Your Teen Refuses CounselingSeek counseling on your own without your teen. Often, parent-training can be one of the most effective ways to help teens. ... Speak with your teen's school guidance counselor. ... Create a contract with your teen. ... Consider online counseling.
Should I force my child to go to counseling?
If a child is absolutely dead-set on going to therapy, and there are no safety worries like self harm or suicidal thoughts, forcing a child to go to therapy can do more harm than good. It reinforces the idea that therapy isn't really for helping, it's a punishment for bad behavior.
How do you punish a teenager that won't listen?
Here are some tips for setting clear limits:Involve your child in working out limits and rules. ... Be clear about the behaviour you expect. ... Discuss responsibilities with your child. ... Agree in advance with your child on what the consequences will be if they don't stick to the rules you've agreed on.More items...•
What are three reasons that someone would not seek help for a mental disorder?
8 Reasons Why People Don't Get Treatment for Mental Illness Fear and shame. One of the most common reasons for not seeking help is fear and shame. ... Lack of insight. ... Limited awareness. ... Feelings of inadequacy. ... Distrust. ... Hopelessness. ... Unavailability. ... Practical barriers.
What are some reasons students might not seek support or ask for help when needed?
Student's don't seek help when they need it.Students overestimate their understanding and ability.Students do not recognize early enough that they need help.Students may perceive you as unapproachable.Students don't know that resources are available.Students are seeking help that is not working.More items...
What are the barriers to seeking help for a mental disorder?
Barriers to seeking help for an emotional or mental health difficultyStigmatising beliefs. ... Perceiving problem as not serious enough. ... Reliance on self. ... Fear of negative outcome. ... Difficulty identifying or expressing concerns.
Steps to Take to Encourage Treatment and Recovery
Kathyrn Rudlin, LCSW, a writer and therapist in California specializes in counseling and education for teenagers with mothers who are emotionally disconnected.
Tips for Helping a Depressed Teen
If you are concerned that your teen may be depressed, but they appear uninterested in getting help or perhaps outright refuse it, there are steps that you can take to help them. Proceed with gentle but firm methods to persuade your teen to get help. These varied approaches have all been effective in helping depressed teens move forward.
A Word From Verywell
Most of these approaches can be facilitated through direct discussion or e-mails, texts, or pictures. Use whatever it takes to help your teen find the inner resources to take this first step. Don't allow yourself to get discouraged, and don't give up. Teen depression is very serious and treatment is necessary in order to heal.
Should You Force Your Teen to Get Treatment?
A teen who feels forced to get treatment isn’t likely to be motivated to change. So even if they get dragged to their appointments, they aren't likely to talk about their issues—at least not in a productive manner.
How to Bring Up the Subject With Your Teen
If you think your teen might need counseling, the way you bring up the subject is very important. The first conversation you have will likely set the tone for your teen's attitude about therapy.
Talk to Your Teen's Doctor
Whether you are concerned about possible ADHD, or you think your teen may have depression, start by talking to your teen’s primary care physician. A doctor can assess your teen's needs and help determine whether they would benefit from counseling.
Options for When Your Teen Refuses Counseling
If your teen refuses to go to counseling, don’t despair. You still have several options about how to get help.
The Anxiety Behind School Refusal for Mentally Ill Kids
Childhood school anxiety is very common. In fact, it's the third most common reason kids miss school. So understanding school refusal means understanding childhood anxiety.
Remember to Take Care of Your Feelings Too
I'm still trying to manage my own feelings following this morning's school refusal debacle. Here are a few things I try to think about to keep the aforementioned resentment away:
A serious illness, often experienced in loneliness
In my experience, teens experience depression for much longer than their parents are aware. There are several reasons for this, including the stigma of mental illness, and teens not being forthcoming because they blame themselves for feeling depressed and don’t want to upset their parents.
Depression is the deadliest disease of childhood
Pediatric Depression: When Does Parental Refusal for Treatment Constitute Medical Neglect?
Mental health can be neglected
One possible way to overcome this is to view a deliberate lack of providing treatment for depression as a form of child abuse. The term “ medical neglect ” refers to a child being harmed due to a lack of medical care.
