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How do you make someone get psychological help?

I have a very difficult mother. I KNOW she has some sort of mental disorder, my guess is bipolar and she is the type that doesn't believe in psychological help/medication/etc but she NEEDS help. She needs to talk to a doctor, she needs to get on medication because she is getting so out of hand that nobody can even stand to be around her anymore. She can't even have a conversation with anyone (especially in my family) without arguing, without being negative, or without having an attitude and she is wondering why no one likes her or wants to be around her anymore. I am a psychology major, this is my 3rd year in college and I have suggested she needs to see a doctor but she just gets mad and says there's nothing wrong with her, that I am the one with mental issues. How do I get her to see a doctor?
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Avatar universal

Hello there,

You stated you're a third year psychology major. You may be right.
Your mom may be suffering from a bipolar disorder, but unless she
takes the first step and admits something is wrong and sees her doctor,
you can't force her. Do you think though your mom might be open to
going for one to one counselling ? Perhaps if she goes to counselling
and gets an opportunity to talk about how she is feeling etc and gets
feedback, your mom may realize something is not right. I wish you luck
with your mom. I know a man who is bipolar and it has taken him years
to admit he is bipolar, but he still refuses to take medication, so he suffers
through manic episodes as well as deep depression. It must be a challenge dealing with someone who is bipolar and refuses to admit it.
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Avatar universal
Unfortunately, you can't MAKE anyone do anything.  You're going to have to accept that she is going to have to want help before she will get it, and oftentimes, pushing someone to get help will only delay them realizing or accepting they need help and will most likely alienate them, giving them one less person in their support system.  Since she doesn't believe in psychiatry, the possibility she will get help is pretty slim.

The only way you are going to get help for her is if you can prove she is a danger to herself and/or others, which...nothing you mention is proof of that.
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