How do you get someone mentally help when they refuse?

How to Get Someone Mental Help When They Refuse? A Compassionate Guide

Understanding the Struggle: Why Someone May Refuse Help

Honestly, it can be incredibly painful to watch someone you care about struggle with their mental health, especially when they refuse help. I’ve been in this situation myself, with a close friend who was clearly struggling but didn’t want to reach out for professional support. It’s frustrating, to say the least. But the reality is, mental health issues are complex, and refusing help is often rooted in deeper fears, shame, or misunderstandings about the process.

Some people might feel ashamed or embarrassed to admit they need help, while others might not even recognize the need. For others, there's the fear of being judged, or simply the fear of confronting painful feelings they’ve been avoiding. If you’ve ever tried to help someone in this situation, you know just how hard it can be.

The First Step: Starting the Conversation with Compassion

Approach Gently, Without Pressure

The first thing I learned through my own experiences is that approach matters. When someone refuses help, pushing them too hard or making them feel like they’re being forced into therapy can backfire. I recall trying to convince my friend, Jake, to see a counselor, and every time I approached him in a "you need to do this for your own good" way, he would retreat even further.

Instead, a more gentle and non-judgmental approach worked better. For example, starting with “I’m really worried about you, and I just want you to know I’m here for you” made a world of difference. This type of approach opens the door for dialogue without making them feel cornered. Just knowing that someone is there to support them can be a huge first step.

Listen More Than You Talk

This one might seem obvious, but trust me, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to “fix” the situation. I’ve caught myself speaking too much when my friend needed someone to simply listen. When you’re trying to get someone to accept help, listening is one of the most powerful tools you have. Let them express what they’re going through, even if it’s messy or unclear. Let them vent and feel heard.

When I did this with my friend Sara, she started opening up about her struggles. It took time, but once she felt heard, she was more willing to consider seeking help. Sometimes, people refuse help because they feel like no one truly understands their situation.

Offering Resources and Reassurance

Providing Information in a Non-Forceful Way

Offering resources without overwhelming or pushing can be a delicate balance. One thing I’ve learned is that people often fear what they don’t understand. If someone is refusing therapy or medication, they might not know what to expect or how it works. Offering information in a calm and non-judgmental manner can ease these fears.

I remember sitting down with my friend Carla, who was reluctant to consider seeing a therapist. I gently suggested, “Maybe it would help to just talk to someone who understands this stuff. You don’t have to decide anything right now, but I found a local therapist who specializes in this kind of thing if you ever want to check it out.” I didn’t pressure her, but simply provided an option. Eventually, she reached out on her own, feeling more comfortable after understanding how therapy could help.

Reassure Them That Help is for Everyone

Another thing I found helpful is reminding the person that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Many people, especially in cultures where mental health is stigmatized, feel that they should be able to handle everything on their own. If you’ve been there yourself, you know how hard it can be to admit that you need help.

I once heard someone say, “Getting help is like seeing a doctor when you have a physical illness. Mental health is just as important.” That simple analogy made it easier for my brother to accept the idea of seeing a therapist. For some, this reassurance is key. It’s about normalizing the process, making them feel less alone.

Respecting Boundaries and Giving Space

Understand That It’s Their Decision

This one took me a while to truly get. You can’t force someone to get help. No matter how much you love them or want to help, the decision to seek mental health support ultimately has to come from the individual. I struggled with this a lot, especially when I could see how much my friend was suffering. I wanted to fix everything for them, but in reality, it was a matter of giving them the space to come to their own decision.

There will be moments when patience is your best ally. You can offer support and gently nudge them toward resources, but pushing too hard can damage the relationship or make them more resistant. Be there for them when they’re ready, but don’t rush the process.

Recognize the Signs When They’re Ready

Sometimes, people will refuse help for a long time, but if you keep the door open, they might eventually walk through it. One of the most powerful things you can do is remain open and non-judgmental, while also watching for signs that they might be ready to take the next step. This might be a small statement like, "Maybe I should give therapy a try," or a moment when they ask you to help them find a therapist.

Don’t Take It Personally

This is a tough one, but I’ve learned it the hard way. If someone refuses your help, don’t take it personally. I used to get frustrated, thinking, “Why don’t they trust me? Why won’t they listen to me?” But the truth is, their refusal isn’t a reflection of you—it’s about their own internal struggle. They might not feel ready, or they might be afraid to face what they’re dealing with.

Conclusion: Be Patient, But Keep Offering Support

Well, when someone refuses mental health help, it’s one of the hardest situations you can face. You want to help, but they might not be ready. What matters most is that you remain patient, gentle, and consistent in offering your support. Keep the conversation open, share resources, and reassure them that seeking help is a step toward healing—not weakness.

In the end, even if they don’t accept help immediately, your consistent compassion can make all the difference. Sometimes, it’s not about solving their problems for them; it’s about standing by them until they’re ready to seek the help they deserve.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.