What can we do if a family member is depressed and refuses to seek treatment?
This can be a
very complicated situation for the family members of a person who appears
to be suffering from depression. Because of the stigma of mental illness,
many depressed persons never seek treatment. This may be more likely
based on age (older), gender (male), or ethnic and cultural identity
(mental illness has a greater stigma in many cultures). An individual
with close ties might want to encourage the affected person to seek
treatment in any way possible. Perhaps the person will not see a
psychiatrist but will agree to meet with a social worker. Suggest a
consultation first, after which treatment can be considered. Maybe the
person would be willing to speak with a clergy person at his or her place
of worship. One could accompany the person to his or her next family
doctor or internist appointment, where he or she might be willing to have
you communicate concerns to the doctor.
Making an
initial appointment with a mental health practitioner on behalf of the
affected individual may be enough to motivate him or her to seek help,
especially if you agree to attend the appointment as well. If, however, a
person absolutely refuses to meet with anyone, a decision needs to be
made as to potential for dangerousness to self or others. For example, if
suicidal ideation is suspected, local emergency personnel can be called
to take the person to the emergency room. He or she may be angry with
this, but if suicide is a possibility, the risk is worth taking. Some
communities have mobile crisis units available in which a team of mental
health practitioners comes to the home to evaluate the person in crisis.
Information about home-based mental health services for persons in crisis
can usually be obtained from the community or city hospitals that sponsor
such programs.
