Today we want to share important tips on how to encourage a loved one to seek psychiatry help. Watching someone we care about battle mental illness is difficult. It’s much worse when you’re aware that they could benefit from expert advice. Trying to persuade someone to go to therapy is a touchy subject. It’s possible to turn someone off to therapy if you misinterpret their reaction. There are, nevertheless, efficient ways to handle this conversation.
Somebody in your family or circle of friends may have started putting themselves down more than they used to, such as canceling plans or bringing up trivial problems they used to joke about. It’s normal to be concerned about the mental health of those you care about. If you don’t know where to begin when it comes to convincing a loved one to seek help for mental health issues, you’re not alone.
It’s possible to encourage them to seek counseling for their symptoms if you approach the subject with empathy and careful terminology. Getting your loved one to realize the value of treatment can be as simple as following the following tips.
Show Your Support
Stigma surrounding mental health and therapy has grown as a result of widespread misunderstandings. They may know they need help, but they may be hesitant to ask for it out of fear that you will judge or treat them differently if they seek it. Because of this, it is critical to avoid using terminology that could be construed as stigmatizing while discussing mental health. Reassure them that you will be there for them during their time in therapy.
Pay Attention To When And Where You Are
People’s reactions to your ideas may be influenced by the “where” and “how” you deliver them. Make sure you don’t start this talk in front of other people or in a place where others can hear it. And don’t engage in an intervention-style conversation like you see on television. Allow the person who is unsure whether or not they want others to know decide on their own terms. It gives them a sense of empowerment and self-respect.
It’s also crucial not to talk to someone while they’re in a bad mood because it could put them in harm’s way. There’s a chance they’ll dismiss you or overlook the significance of the issue at hand. Try to make the talk private, friendly, and comfortable as much as possible.
Be Ready to Face Obstacles
Not everyone who hears about therapy is ready to give it a try. If your loved one rejects your suggestion, you need to be ready to make your case. Here are a few examples of how you might make the case for therapy’s importance:
- A loving approach can be taken to using your connection as leverage. It doesn’t matter if they’re your sibling, best friend, spouse or relative; tell them how much they mean to you. As well as how therapy could benefit them. Giving an ultimatum, on the other hand, should be avoided at all costs.
- In what ways do they stand out from the rest? It’s simpler to get someone’s attention if you focus on the positive aspects of them. When you focus on someone’s strengths, they are more likely to strive for even greater success.
- Identify and describe the specifics of the problem behavior. They may argue that they don’t suffer from any mental illness. You can persuade them to seek expert assistance by pointing out particular issues without being critical.
Be Willing To Help Out
You can try to urge someone to go to therapy, but it won’t work unless you’re prepared to offer real support. When seeking assistance, some people are unsure of where to begin. The therapist should be located in the area where the patient lives, according to their preferences. You can reach out to their offices on their behalf or look into the credibility and reviews of numerous providers.
Some people are apprehensive about seeing a therapist on their own or joining a group. Allow them to accompany you until they feel secure. For the first few sessions, you are welcome to join them in the waiting area. Assuring them that you won’t inquire about the counseling unless they choose to share is a good way to make them feel comfortable, especially at the very beginning. If you’re unsure how to approach a loved one about getting help, visit this page for more advice on how to do so.
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This article was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.