There are some instances when our loved one’s symptoms are extremely noticeable and we can clearly see that they’re battling with a mental illness, but they may be in complete denial. Stigma and the fear of stigma are often what holds people back from facing the truth about dealing with a mental illness.
If your loved one does not believe they have a mental illness, they may be afraid of what acknowledging the truth could mean for their life. This can be particularly challenging, especially if you know that your loved one would thrive if they sought help. However, understanding the reasons for denial can make the process a bit easier.
Denial is often considered a psychological defense mechanism, but your loved one may not even understand that what they’re experiencing is a clear sign of mental illness. Those who grow up without having talked about mental illness with those around them may believe that what they’re going through is normal, and therefore they may see no reason to seek help.
If you’re finding that your loved one doesn’t like talking about their mental illness with you, you may want to consider that they speak with a therapist. Motivational interviewing is a technique that helps those with apprehension come to their own realizations about their mental health and potential steps for moving forward. Rather than push the client towards choosing recovery, the therapist may gently probe them with different questions to get them thinking about the next best step.
If you or a loved one are ready to seek treatment, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today. It’s never too late to begin working towards recovery, and simply going in to get information could help aid in the process of healing. Recovery is possible, and there is an entire team of healthcare professionals who truly care about your health and wellbeing. It’s never too late to seek help.
Alta Loma is a world-renowned, Texas state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center exclusively for men. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at (866) 457-3843.
