How to get someone mental help when they refuse?

Start with empathy and curiosity rather than pressure

When someone declines mental health care, one easily becomes frustrated; yet, pressure rarely has any effect. Start instead by setting a safe, judgment-free environment where they feel heard.

Try posing open-ended, sympathetic inquiries:

“Can I find out why you would be reluctant to seek help?”

“What would make you more comfortable speaking with someone?”

Steer clear of ultimatums and accusations. When people feel valued, you are more likely to advance than when they feel cornered.

Listen Without Pursuing Perfection for Everything

People sometimes simply need to be heard; they might not immediately have answers. Repeating back what they say and acknowledging their emotions will help you to develop active listening.

As an illustration,:

Rather than “You just need to see a therapist.”

Try: “You seem right now overwhelmed and afraid. That makes a great deal of sense.

Someone who feels really heard is more willing to open up and weigh fresh possibilities.

Know Their Motives for Not Getting Help

Refusing does not always translate into denial. It could indicate they have had a negative experience, worry about being judged, or reject therapy as effective. Also quite important is mental health stigma.

You can gently address the reasons once you know them. As follows:

Share tales of those who have benefited to assist normalize therapy if they believe it exclusively for “crazy” people.

Remind them that treatment is confidential and non judging if they worry about others evaluating them.

If they mistrust the system, offer to assist them in locating someone with favorable evaluations or who specializes in their area of need.

Normalize Discussions about Mental Health

Open discussion of mental health can assist to lower stigma. Tell others about your own experiences with stress, anxiety, or counseling—if you feel comfortable. Tell them they are not unique.

For instance:

“Until I found someone who helped me process things, I used to feel quite imprisoned.”

“It took me some time to travel too, but it turned out to be rather beneficial.”

These actual exchanges can change opinions and help to lower anxiety.

Provide Useful Assistance

Sometimes, especially if someone is already struggling, the search for help might feel daunting. Offer to lighten the strain by:

• Investigating local therapists
• Accompanying them in calling a clinic
• Offering to accompany them to their initial visit
• Investigating text-based or internet therapeutic solutions
• Even just sitting with them as they schedule a visit can help greatly.

Set Limits instead of Force

Until someone is in danger to themselves or others, you cannot compel someone into therapy; even then, it is a delicate and difficult matter. You can guard your own well-being and create reasonable limitations.

For instance:

“Although I am not a skilled professional, I really love you. You should give some thought to talking with someone who could actually be of use.

This reminds them of your restrictions and allows them to realize your worry is genuine.

Support Little Steps

Encourage minor measures instead of expecting them to commit to long-term therapy immediately:

• Perusing a mental health podcast
• perusing a piece about depression or anxiety
• Discussing how one feels with a doctor

These little benchmarks serve to establish confidence in the process and gradually reduce the anxiety around seeking help.

Involve Professionals or Trusted Individuals (as Needed)

Should the individual endanger others or oneself, you could have to act more seriously. Such circumstances:

• Get in touch with a trustworthy family member.
• Tell their doctor whether or not they have one.    
• Notify a mental health crisis line.
• Use 911 or visit the closest ER in an emergency.
• In an emergency, always give safety top priority above comfort.

Stay Patient and Keep the Door Open

Change comes gradually. Someone turning down assistance now could think of it weeks or months later, especially if they know they are supported—not criticized.

Maintaining open channels of contact will help. Make frequent checks in. Either send a kind note or simply hang around with them engaging in low-stress activities. Show them your not giving up attitude.

Attend to Your Own Needs as Well

Helping someone else can cause problems for your own mental health. Feeling annoyed, depressed, or even powerless is normal. Whether from therapy, support groups, or close friends, make sure you are getting the help you need.

You’re not being selfish; you’re keeping your capacity to be there for them grounded and sane.