When Loved Ones Don't Believe in Mental Illness: What to Do

Sometimes our loved ones don't believe in mental illness. This is a sad, but all-too-common, situation. When anyone gets sick, with any illness, we look to our spouse, friends, family and other loved ones to support us. We need them in these tough times. This is normal. But what if your loved ones aren't there for you because your loved ones don't believe in mental illness? Here are some suggestions for what you can do if this happens to you.

Why Wouldn't a Loved One Believe in Mental Illness?

There are many reasons why a person might not believe in mental illness: that person may be a card-carrying member of an antipsychiatry group, it may be related to a religion, it may be cultural or it may be the individual's personal beliefs based on nothing more than his or her gut. No matter why, though, you have a problem.

In some respects, the reason the person doesn't believe in mental illness affects how you approach that person. In other ways though, it really all comes down to the same thing: education. Anyone who doesn't believe in mental illness is ignorant. It is our job, then, to educate.

How to Educate Someone Who Doesn't Believe in Mental Illness

The first thing we can do when dealing with loved ones who don't believe in mental illness is to educate ourselves. This is so that we truly know the facts and even some of the history around mental illness. Knowledge truly is power and this education gives us the power to battle back ignorance with facts. For many people, facts can make for a much more convincing argument than us simply trying to express ourselves.

Next, we need to consider how we choose to educate our loved ones about mental illness. Likely, just spouting facts at random times is not going to be very effective. I have found that sitting down with someone in a calm, unemotional environment, using a time dedicated to having a discussion, is best. So, perhaps you can say, "I realize we've been disagreeing on the subject of mental illness. I would like to discuss that today. What time would be good for you?"

Then, you'll want to map out what you want to say to your friend, spouse, family member or other loved one who doesn't believe in mental illness. Some points you might consider making (in your own words) include:

• While I know we have some disagreement on this subject, I need for you to listen to me today. Your openness to what I'm going to say is very important.
• Did you know that since the beginning of medical records, mental illness and bipolar disorder, specifically, has been documented? It wasn't called bipolar disorder, but an illness with its symptoms has always been recorded.
• While you might not know anyone else with bipolar disorder, it is actually relatively common. Bipolar disorder actually occurs in about 2 percent of the American population and it's been found throughout the world. It occurs in every country and every culture.¹
• Having a mental illness doesn't mean I'm crazy. Mental illnesses are illnesses of the brain. Just like your kidneys or liver can get sick, so can your brain.
• The symptoms of bipolar disorder are ____ (symptoms of bipolar disorder listed here). My experience of bipolar disorder includes the following symptoms ____.
• I was diagnosed by a doctor with bipolar disorder because of the following ____.
• While bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, it can be successfully managed with treatment. My treatment includes _____.
• Did you know that Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jean-Claude Van-Damme and many other famous people have bipolar disorder?
• While this diagnosis is scary, I know that with your help, I can deal with it and live a successful life.
• It would love it if you would take the time to read a bit about my diagnosis. It can help me and help you. (Note: I tend to think my book is pretty good but you can find other bipolar disorder books here. Websites like HealthyPlace are great for bipolar disorder information too.)
• You can help me through the treatment process by ____.

As you can see, there are quite a few blanks up there, so think about what you want to put in those blanks before you have the conversation with your loved one who doesn't believe in mental illness. I highly, highly, recommend you write down what it is you want to say. It's quite normal to forget everything in the moment. Also, by writing it down, you'll likely be less emotional and that can help get your message across too.

Other Ways to Help a Loved One Who Doesn't Believe in Mental Illness

A letter is another great way of getting your message across to a loved one who doesn't believe in mental illness. The good thing about a letter is that you can give it to the person and then give that person time to digest the information. Sometimes people need a long time to think about things. Make sure you include resources in your letter for the person to continue learning (you can even get the person a book to go with your letter). You can then continue the conversation later.

Finally, sometimes it helps when someone else talks to your loved one who doesn't believe in mental illness. I often recommend people get counseling as a couple or as a family. A good therapist can really help your loved ones better understand you and mental illness and can facilitate quality communication. I know it can be hard to get some loved ones to go, but if you frame it such that it's about improving the relationship on both sides and allowing both of you to talk, sometimes it can work.

What If My Loved One Still Doesn't Believe in Mental Illness After All That?

I'm sorry to say that while conversations, education, letters and therapy work for many people, they don't work for everyone. I'd love to say there was a magic secret to reaching people, but there isn't. Some people absolutely refuse to believe in the very real nature of mental illness.

The only hope I can give you is that sometimes time makes a difference. It took years to get my mother on-side with a medical understanding of bipolar disorder, but she did come around. I can't promise that will happen for your loved one who doesn't believe in mental illness, but I certainly hope it does.

Sources

1. Soreff, S., Bipolar Disorder. Medscape, Updated May 30, 2019.