Globally, 49.5% of teenagers have had a mental illness sometime in their lives. Without proper treatment, a teenager's mental illness can cause other issues such as substance abuse, self-harm, panic attacks, and more. However, many adolescents refuse treatment, which can be extremely taxing on a parent who is desperate to help.
There is a lot of stigma behind treatment programs for teenagers, which can make them weary about going to a rehabilitation center. In this post, we explain why teenagers might resist treatment and how you, as a parent, can overcome this challenge. We also explain what resistance talk looks like so you can have an honest and open discussion with your child about getting the care they need.
What Resistance Talk Looks Like
Resistance talk is a teenager’s way of pushing back against perceived pressure to change. It can involve outright denial, like claiming there’s no problem: “I don’t have an anger issue.” They may dismiss the idea of change altogether: “I’m fine as I am, thanks.” Teens sometimes talk about the perks of their behavior, saying things like, “Getting high with friends is fun,” or point out the downsides of change: “Life would be so boring without drinking.” Pessimism can also play a role: “What’s the point? Nothing will change.” Lastly, non-engagement can also signify resistance, such as silence or dismissive responses.Reasons Why Troubled Teens Resist Treatment
Some teenagers with behavioral issues may want to change but feel that treatment may not help their situation. This is especially true if your teenager has never gone for therapy or specific types of treatment before. Here are common reasons why teenagers may resist getting the help they need to progress.They Feel Embarrassed
Teenagers may feel embarrassed about their mental health struggles and sometimes view them as a sign of weakness or something to hide. They might feel ashamed of their behavior during an episode and fear judgment from peers or adults. This embarrassment stems from their vulnerable sense of dignity and desire for independence. Patronizing attitudes can worsen this detachment, so fostering trust by listening earnestly and respecting their autonomy is important.Teens Can Have Misconceptions about Treatment
Many teens believe therapy will not help them or that professionals will simply prescribe medication that will not worsen their situation. These false assumptions can discourage engagement with treatment. Instead of feeling forced to talk, teens need a trusting relationship where they can open up at their own pace. Proper treatment should create a safe space for them to build this trust over time.Problems with Oppositional Defiance Disorder
Your teen's mental health problem could be the sole reason they're resisting treatment. For example, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a condition that causes teenagers to exhibit frequent irritability, defiance, and argumentative behavior. These traits make them resistant to treatment because the illness causes them to reject authority and struggle to trust professionals. Successful therapy requires authenticity and clear communication that validates the teen’s perspective. The goal is to help teenagers manage their thoughts, emotions, and reactions to situations.How to Help Your Teen Overcome Resistance to Treatment
There are ways that you can overcome your teen's resistance. Here are tips you can follow:- Involve a mental health professional: Seek guidance from a therapist or counselor experienced in working with resistant teens. They can provide strategies to encourage treatment.
- Schedule a consultation: Arrange a low-pressure meeting with a mental health professional to ease your teen into the idea of treatment.
- Have an open discussion: Listen to your teen without judgment and validate their feelings to build trust.
- Focus on benefits: Highlight how treatment can address their concerns, like reducing stress or improving relationships.
- Be patient: Change takes time; avoid pushing too hard and respect their pace.
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