What to Do When Someone Does Not Want Help


There are times when you have been caring and supportive, but the at-risk individual seems to disregard your efforts. You cannot force someone to accept your help, no matter how well-intentioned it may be. Here are some tips from WebMD on what to do when someone does not want to accept your help:

  • Be patient if there is not an immediate risk to the individual’s life. The individual may not want to accept help at the moment, but that does not mean that they do not ever want help.
  • Continue to be a part of their support system. Let the individual know that your support is not dependent upon their getting help.
  • Try to stay calm when the individual is refusing your help. Matching their emotions (anger with anger, for example) may push the individual away.
  • Take a step back to remember that the decision to get help is the individual’s, not yours.
  • Remember to care for your own mental health by seeking out your own social support network, including a professional if needed.
Pixabay