• Home
  • Health
  • General
  • Natural Remedies
  • Diet & Weight Loss
  • Fitness
  • Beauty
  • Recipes

The Health Science Journal

Your Personal Health Library




  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • Write For Us

What to Do When Help is Rejected By a Loved One in Trouble

January 13, 2018 by Melissa Bell Leave a Comment

It can be difficult to watch a loved one lead an unhealthy life. Whether it is a parent, sibling, or spouse, you want them to be able to live a long, happy life without complications. Often it seems as if they don’t even realize they are harming themselves as they continue unhealthy behavior. It is important to talk with your loved one about the problem and help them make a plan to overcome it, but it can be terribly difficult to bring the subject up, especially if the behavior is an ingrained part of their daily lives. The best you can do is hang in there, stay patient, and keep trying.

Talking Through the Stigma

Problems like substance abuse, obesity, and mental health issues are not as simple to address as other types of physical illness. A social stigma is attached to everything from being overweight to being dependent on drugs or alcohol. The odds are good that your loved one is already aware they have a problem. When you mention it to them they may respond defensively and either argue or refuse to discuss it altogether. They may be embarrassed or fear that people will judge them for being weak or unable to control themselves. Don’t let their unwillingness to have a discussion or acknowledge the problem stop you from trying to help or find alcohol treatment for a loved one, but don’t expect them to be ready to have a real conversation right away.

Avoid Accusations

Couch your language in terms that are not accusatory. Remember that addiction and mental illness are not related to a person’s willpower or strength, but are usually due to chemical imbalances in the brain. Help the person understand that you don’t blame them for their condition, but you recognize that it is not healthy for them and you want to help them find a way to change.

Wait it Out

The person you want to talk with may need time to acknowledge out loud that they have a problem and need outside help to overcome that problem. Patience is essential if you really want to help. Don’t pressure them to come up with a plan before they are ready to admit they need one. Be available to talk when they need to talk. Make sure they know you haven’t forgotten, but don’t make them feel like every time they see you there will be a reminder of what they may perceive as an accusation of their shortcomings. If they realize you honestly want to help them feel better and live more successfully they will eventually come around to having the necessary conversations about how to achieve that goal.

Be Prepared to Make a Plan

Be ready for when they are ready to make a game plan. Do research on their condition and have information available so that you can honestly help them decide the best course of action to take. It is important to create a real plan for recovery or treatment. Avoid vague agreements. Talk with them about their resources and help them create a timeline and concrete expectations with measurable results. That may include making medical appointments, planning meals, or creating an exercise regimen. A good plan is something you can both refer to as you move through the sometimes difficult process of helping them work toward a healthier life.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Melissa Bell
Follow me:
Melissa Bell
Melissa Bell has a strong background in nutrition education, fitness and yoga, and experience working on specialized stretching, bodybuilding and weight loss programs. She is actively studying Japanese, doing research and travelling for conferences while taking care of two children.
Melissa Bell
Follow me:
Latest posts by Melissa Bell (see all)
  • Home Care and Management Tips for Mentally Retarded Children - July 1, 2022
  • 10 Natural Ways to Increase Your Bone Density - July 1, 2022
  • Research for Recovery: Delivering Virtual Healthcare Support - June 22, 2022

Share this post:

Share on FacebookShare on PinterestShare on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Email

Filed Under: General

——-

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *




Follow Us on Social Media

Featured Post

  • Ezoic User Review – AdSense vs Ezoic, Analysis After 2 Years with Ezoic
  • Pinterest Account Suspended & Domain Blocked! And How Ezoic Helped Us Get It Back

Latest Review

GenF20 Plus Review: Potentially Dangerous? A Scientific…

—

Fitness

6 Smart Winter Foot Care Tips

lungs Mesothelioma

What Is Mesothelioma Day And Why Should You Know About It?

food-ham

Tips for Staying Healthy During the Busy Holiday Season

What One Needs to Know about Steroids for Asthma Treatment - 2

What One Needs to Know about Steroids for Asthma Treatment? (Sponsored)

smart watch wearable health

The Rising Trend of Digital Health Wearables

—

Health

breastfeeding

Home Care and Management Tips for Mentally Retarded Children

people-fun-lunch-skeleton

10 Natural Ways to Increase Your Bone Density

Research for Recovery: Delivering Virtual Healthcare Support

Breast cancer foundation

How to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

eyes healthy vs diabetic

5 Effective Techniques to Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy in a Post COVID World

Tags

abs addiction back pain bodybuilding cancer children cholesterol depression Diabetes drugs exercises eyes flexibility food foot heart high blood pressure hips home injuries knee lose weight low back pain muscle office pain pain relief plank push-ups relief sciatic senior skin sleep spine squats stress stretch sugar tea teeth tips water workout yoga



Follow Us On Social Media

Copyright © 2020 · The Health Science Journal ·