There are a variety of reasons why someone can’t be helped. The following list is the most common causes:

1. They don’t want to be helped

   Not everyone wants to be helped, and we need to respect that fact.

   Sure, this is easier said than done, especially if we like and love the person in question. But I think we often end up doing more harm than good if we try to push ourselves on others, no matter how well intended it is.

   People who don’t want to be saved will most likely be annoyed by the fact that we don’t respect their wishes, nor will they try if their heart isn’t in it.

   Regardless, it’s good that people know you’re there for them if they want aid. Just make sure not to push your good intentions on them. If they know you’re there for them, then they will ask your aid if they want to.

2. They’re too far gone

   Perhaps people have been living terrible lives, like being depressed, or suicidal for so long, that they can’t be saved anymore.

   Some folks might have suffered so much that they don’t even know how to get better anymore. And as a result, they might not believe that they can ever get better, no matter what they or someone else does.

   Nevertheless, people are incredibly resilient and can come back from the brink of death. That’s why you should be careful with labeling people as being too far gone. Chances are large, there’s something you can do to assist them.

3. You don’t have the required skills

   

   Helping others requires an extremely varied skill set. Think of abilities such as active listening skills, having knowledge and experience with the issue/disorder they’re dealing with, being empathetic, and having patience, among many other skills.

   This might sound relatively simple at first, but learning, and effectively employing these abilities takes a lot of time and effort to do so effectively.

   I’m not saying that you need to be a professional health care practitioner to aid others. But sometimes, especially in extreme and complex cases such as dealing with suicidal and severely depressed people, it most certainly helps!

4. You’re not the right person at the right time

   At times, you can do everything right and still fail. That’s a harsh reality that’s true for a lot of facets of life.

   Perhaps the person you’re trying to help is so down on themselves that literally nothing you do is helpful, and nobody, even the best specialist in the world, wouldn’t be able to support them.

   Perhaps the time is right, but you’re not the right person to facilitate them. That’s not even to say that you aren’t capable, but perhaps the person in question doesn’t fully trust you, or maybe they don’t think you can help them, even though you can.

   Whatever the reason is, sometimes the time just isn’t right, and perchance you’re simply not the right person for the job. That’s not to say that you can’t aid other people, but unfortunately, you can’t help everyone, even though you might want to.

5. They don’t trust you

   Trust is essential in life. It is the foundation for building long-lasting and meaningful relationships, regardless if the kinship is based on friendship, romantics, or business.

   The same applies when aiding others in need. I’m a health care practitioner, and as someone who’s involved in the medical profession, I know that trust and the willingness to get better (which means that they actively put in the time and effort) are vital aspects to improve.

   Without trust, they most likely won’t take your advice to heart. Irrespective if it’s great advice or not. Always remember that a friend to all is a friend to none. That’s why you should be honest with yourself, and others.