When someone you love is struggling with addiction, it can be a very difficult time. You often want nothing more than to help them begin the road to recovery and support them in any way you can.
While they may be appreciative of your assistance and take your advice to heart, not everyone will be so receptive. Some people will ignore and reject your offer for help altogether. This can obviously lead to a lot of sadness as you want nothing more than to help your loved one. This guide is going to go through a few self-help techniques to cope with this difficult situation and rejection.
Remember That It’s Not Your Fault
Addiction specialists at https://www.gatehousetreatment.com/ want family and friends of those struggling with addiction to remember that it’s not their fault the sufferer is rejecting them. You did your part, and you cannot force someone to do something they don’t want to do.
Some people simply aren’t ready for change, and there is no point beating yourself up about that fact. Their rejection has nothing to do with your ideas, advice, or plan, and everything to do with their unwillingness or inability to make a change and accept help. This sounds harsh, but it is important to keep in mind so you don’t blame yourself for the rejection.
Also, make sure to let go of responsibility and regret. You may feel like you could have done more or constantly rethink things you did or said, but this is not healthy to obsess over.
Recharge Your Batteries
(via: https://pixabay.com/photos/wooden-track-path-trail-1932611/)
Dealing with someone struggling with addiction and trying to help them can be a draining experience. Putting in all the effort to help them get better, only to be rejected, can feel absolutely debilitating.
Because of this, you need to take some time for yourself in order to recharge your internal batteries. You can go for a walk, hit the spa, read a book, get some exercise, or do whatever you like to do in order to relax and recharge.
This can help you occupy your mind and time with something else, and realize there is more to life than constantly worrying about someone who doesn’t want your help right now. It is important to not feel guilty when doing these things, and let yourself feel better.
Consider Therapy
If you are experiencing a lot of distress from this and can’t seem to stop thinking about it and/or blaming yourself, it could be beneficial to go to therapy. There are many benefits of therapy and it can help get you back on the right track.
These professionals are educated and experienced and can help guide you through your feelings and make sense of the situation. Even if you only go once or twice, speaking to a professional can often help you better understand your feelings and come up with some ways to improve your ability to cope, so you can finally move past this.
In conclusion, we hope the techniques included in this article have been able to help you deal with the emotional distress of your friend or family member turning down your help.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
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