How to tell a friend she should seek therapy

[K12144]

I don't think you can, unless maybe you're really close. In which case a gentle "Have you considered seeing someone? I really think it would help," might do. You could maybe offer to help find a therapist or give a ride. But I think there are probably few very relationships or scenarios where "You need to seek mental-health help" would be appropriate.

Originally Posted by considerforamoment

If she's lonely, it might be more helpful if you meet her for a walk, coffee, etc. - I love how everything is pathologized now. What do you think a therapist can do for her loneliness? lol

Teach her how to handle it-- not everyone can be surrounded by people constantly and certainly part of being mature and mentally-healthy is being able to be alone, and to deal in general with situations one doesn't want to be in-- and also perhaps give her strategies for meeting new friends/being outgoing/getting to know people. That's what seeing a therapist is for, for many/most people-- having someone else's help in coping strategies for whatever a person's problems are.

Originally Posted by farm108

And be prepared for her to refuse to go and see a therapist. But you've done your part in trying to help her.

I have a friend in this situation. But he never listened to us (my husband and I) when we suggested seeing a psychotherapist. Nothing changed for him, after all these years since we made the suggestion. It all remained the same for his mental being.

And that's the way it is, nothing we can do about it.

The problem, I suppose, is when the person also makes it your issue if you have to comfort them, soothe them, listen to them, assuage their loneliness, help them with their issues, whatever. BTDT, and it can be a bit exhausting. Often if you're close enough to someone to note that they need therapy, you're close enough that their issues are going to affect you and that you can't exactly shove them away.