When a loved one receives a mental illness diagnosis, it can be overwhelming for the entire family. It can become an especially dire situation when a loved one refuses treatment, is in denial about their diagnosis, or doesn’t stick to treatment plans or take medication leading to relapses. Know that you are not alone. According to Mental Health America, more than half of Americans with mental illness receive no treatment. Here we will discuss how to help you navigate the situation and cope when a loved one refuses treatment.
1. Try and See Their Perspective
Often, discussions about mental illness turn into arguments. It’s important to actively listen to your loved one and try to see their perspective. Some individuals with mental illness experience anosognosia. According to the Alliance on Mental Illness, anosognosia in mental illness means someone is unaware of their own mental health condition or that they can’t perceive their condition accurately. According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, anosognosia impacts 60% of people with schizophrenia and 50% of people with bipolar disorder. This means that at least one in five people with severe mental illness are unable to recognize that they are ill. So, how do you try and relate to someone who doesn’t believe that they are sick? Experts suggest using the LEAP method to communicate with your loved one. This stands for listening, empathizing, agreeing, and partnering.
2. Offer Them Support
Offering support to your loved one can be as simple as helping them feel safe and loved. In Schizophrenia when someone is in psychosis, what they are experiencing is very real to them and often terrifying. Helping them get through these moments can mean so much to maintaining trust in the relationship. Being patient and non-judgmental is very important. Even just helping with simple tasks or spending time with them can make a difference.
3. Voice Your Concerns
When voicing your concerns to your loved one, try to stay calm. Using communication techniques like being direct and using ‘I’ statements can be helpful. Speak to behaviors you have observed and try to lead with how much you care for the person. While these conversations are very difficult and don’t always have the outcome we hope for, it’s important to try. Remember to listen and ask questions. Validate their experience when you can. For example, if your loved one doesn’t want to take their medications because it makes them feel numb, try and partner with them to find a better solution with their psychiatrist.
4. Educate Them as Much as Possible
There are a plethora of resources available for mental health. Part of helping to educate your loved one might mean trying to break down stigmas around mental illness. A support group may be helpful for your loved one to connect with others who have similar experiences. You can also encourage them to have a healthy diet, get good sleep, and exercise. All of which can be beneficial for their overall mental health.
5. Seek Out Resources for Yourself
As a caregiver, you have to take care of yourself as well. NAMI is an excellent resource for family members to connect and share information. Sometimes just hearing about other families’ experiences can help you feel less alone.
6. Have a Crisis Plan
No one wants to think of worst-case scenarios, but it’s important to know what to do in a crisis. In an emergency, call 911. Many states also have crisis hotlines that will connect you with a mental health crisis team. In a crisis, try to stay calm and reach out to mental health providers.
7. Set Boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries with someone who is mentally ill can take work. Try and be direct about what you need. If a relationship with your loved one has become too toxic, it’s okay to step away. Protecting your own mental health is so important and you shouldn’t feel any guilt for prioritizing yourself.
Learning to Cope
One of the hardest parts of caring for someone with mental illness is accepting how the relationship ultimately changes. It’s okay to grieve when you see the person you love struggling. But it’s important to cherish the good moments with your loved one too. There will be many ups and downs, but with the right resources and tools, there is hope to get your loved one help for their mental illness.