Health, family and personal difficulties

Initial situation

Mr B. arrives early in the morning for a last-minute appointment. He says he can't cope any longer and is at the end of his tether. He appears very nervous, tense and sad. He explains that he has had family problems for years, uses cannabis occasionally and suffers from recurrent depression. He often wakes up in the middle of the night in a panic because terrible memories from his time in his home country come flooding back. The last time he was there on holiday, a conflict escalated into violence. Mr B. then sought help from a psychiatrist, who prescribed him psychotropic drugs but did not give him precise dosage instructions. Regular check-ups were no longer possible after he left. Mr B. has been suffering from suicidal thoughts ever since. "I've already written my suicide note," he whispers. He doesn't really want to talk to anyone about it, but since the Proitera counsellor introduced herself to the team a while ago and he had heard good things about her, he decided to pick up the phone after all. Mr B. bursts into tears during the conversation and is noticeably distraught.

Proitera’s assignment

Mr B. doesn't know what to do. He is desperately trying to regain his footing, but nothing seems to improve his condition. "Help me!" he says desperately. "I can't take it anymore!"

Proitera’s intervention / crisis intervention

Proitera is facing an emergency that requires swift action. Fortunately, the man was able to turn to Proitera for help. The priority is to offer understanding and support and convince Mr B. that his family needs him and that there are ways out of this seemingly hopeless situation. It turns out that Mr B. has completely forgotten about his children in his distress. Stabilising his mental state is the top priority, as there is a risk that he may harm himself. The fact that he is taking psychotropic drugs without medical supervision is also an indication that swift action is required, and medical professionals must be called in. The counsellor can arrange for him to be admitted to a psychiatric clinic immediately. After consulting with Mr B., the counsellor contacts his supervisor and his wife. She is shocked but also relieved that her husband has finally sought help. Proitera is now also available to her as a direct contact person. Mr B. signs the "Agreement for people at risk of suicide". In it, he confirms that he does not need to be accompanied to his place of residence and will not harm himself. His wife is asked to pick him up at the train station and drive him directly to the clinic.

Result

Mr B. is relieved that his situation is being taken seriously and that Proitera reacted quickly. Thanks to his stay in the clinic, Mr B. is quickly feeling better. His medication is changed, and he notices that his thoughts are becoming clearer. It is a relief to hear from the doctor that the medication can cause suicidal thoughts if taken in the wrong dosage. Once his health has stabilised, he is discharged home. A week later, he is already able to return to work. His colleagues and his manager are delighted to see him again and are very understanding. The HR department also welcomes him back and promises support. The counsellor continues to assist him with maintaining stability at work. To avoid any conflict of roles, external marriage and family counselling is brought in to provide couples therapy sessions. Mr B. also seeks out a psychiatrist to help him process his trauma and control his negative emotions.