Explain factors contributing to suicidal risk, including the relationship to culture and ethnicity, age, and gender.
QUESTION
Case Study, Mohr
CHAPTER 34, Suicide and Suicidal Behavior
In completing the case study, students will be addressing the following learning objectives: List the warning signs of suicide.
Explain factors contributing to suicidal risk, including the relationship to culture and ethnicity, age, and gender.
1. Kate, a 35-year-old white woman, who moved to another city to take a new job. Kate has a depressive disorder and has no friends in her new city; her only family support is one brother. Kate has lost her new job and is without insurance or funds to purchase her prescribed antidepressants. Kate formerly had excellent credit but now realizes that since she has no money, she may have to declare bankruptcy. Kate became extremely depressed, purchased a gun, wrote suicide letters to her friends, and decided to commit suicide. Kate then called 911 just before pulling the trigger on the gun. However, the gun jammed and did not eject bullets. A policeman came to her apartment in response to the 911 call and took Kate to the local psychiatric hospital. After discharge, Kate went to live with her brother. Kate’s brother is concerned that she is a continued suicide risk.
(Learning Objectives: 1)
a. What are the warning signs of suicide?
b. What factors could have contributed to Kate’s desire to commit suicide?.
ANSWER
Understanding Suicide Warning Signs and Contributing Factors: A Case Study Analysis
Introduction
Suicide is a complex and sensitive issue that requires careful attention and understanding. In this case study, we examine the story of Kate, a 35-year-old white woman who experienced a series of challenging circumstances, leading her to contemplate suicide. This essay aims to address the warning signs of suicide and explore the factors that could have contributed to Kate’s desire to end her life.
Warning signs of suicide
Recognizing the warning signs of suicide is crucial in identifying individuals who may be at risk. In Kate’s case, several signs were evident:
Verbal cues: Kate wrote suicide letters to her friends, expressing her intent to end her life. Verbalizing thoughts of hopelessness, worthlessness, or feeling like a burden are strong indicators that someone may be contemplating suicide. It is essential to take such statements seriously and seek immediate help.
Behavioral changes: Kate exhibited behavioral changes, such as withdrawing from social interactions and isolating herself. Losing interest in activities she once enjoyed and displaying a significant change in her usual routine are common warning signs (Ociskova et al., 2022). These behavioral shifts may indicate a deepening emotional struggle and a potential risk of suicidal ideation.
Factors contributing to Kate’s desire to commit suicide
Several factors could have contributed to Kate’s suicidal thoughts, including:
Depressive disorder and lack of social support: Kate’s preexisting depressive disorder coupled with her recent relocation to a new city amplified her vulnerability. Having no friends in her new environment and minimal family support left her feeling isolated and alone. The absence of a strong social support system is a risk factor for suicide, as it diminishes coping mechanisms and increases feelings of despair.
Financial distress and loss of employment: Losing her new job, compounded by Kate’s financial difficulties and inability to afford prescribed antidepressant medication, added to her distress (De Miquel et al., 2022). Financial strain and unemployment can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and contribute to a sense of powerlessness, potentially fueling suicidal thoughts.
Bankruptcy and a sense of failure: The realization that she might have to declare bankruptcy further deepened Kate’s despair. As someone with a history of excellent credit, this sudden downfall likely triggered intense feelings of shame, guilt, and failure. Financial ruin can significantly impact an individual’s self-worth, increasing their vulnerability to suicidal ideation.
Access to lethal means: Kate’s acquisition of a gun played a crucial role in her attempted suicide. Access to lethal means, such as firearms, significantly increases the risk of completing suicide (Barber & Miller, 2014). In this case, the gun malfunctioned, saving her life. Restricting access to lethal methods is a critical suicide prevention strategy.
Conclusion
Understanding the warning signs of suicide is essential for early intervention and prevention. In Kate’s case, the presence of verbal cues, behavioral changes, and access to a lethal means signaled a significant risk. Factors contributing to her desire to commit suicide included her depressive disorder, lack of social support, financial distress, and a sense of failure. Recognizing these factors and implementing appropriate interventions can help mitigate the risk of suicide. It is crucial to provide support, establish a robust support system, and ensure access to mental health resources for individuals facing similar challenges, thus promoting their well-being and preventing tragic outcomes.
References
Barber, C., & Miller, M. J. (2014). Reducing a Suicidal Person’s Access to Lethal Means of Suicide. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 47(3), S264–S272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2014.05.028
De Miquel, C., Domènech-Abella, J., Felez-Nobrega, M., Cristóbal-Narváez, P., Mortier, P., Vilagut, G., Alonso, J. A., Olaya, B., & Haro, J. M. (2022). The Mental Health of Employees with Job Loss and Income Loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Perceived Financial Stress. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(6), 3158. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063158
Ociskova, M., Prasko, J., K, K., Hodny, F., P, K., Holubova, M., Vanek, J., Slepecky, M., Nesnidal, V., & K, M. B. (2022). Schema Therapy for Patients with Bipolar Disorder: Theoretical Framework and Application. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, Volume 18, 29–46. https://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s344356

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