Suicide and Depression Case Study

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The prevalence of depression and suicide in Australia has reached a crescendo, which requires a higher level of commitment from mental health workers in the country. It is believed that around 2.1 million (9.7) Australian population experience some level of affective disorders (Australian Bureau of Statistics, ABS 2012). The high rate of depression can also be traced to the upsurge in cases of death from intentional self-harm which rose from 2,866 in 2016 to 3,128 in 2017 (ABS, 2017). To effectively tackle the menace of depression and suicide in Australia, there is need for a higher level of alertness and awareness from mental healthcare professionals and members of the public. According to World Health Organisation, 300 million people of all ages worldwide suffer from depression. The world health body also highlighted several factors that put people at risk of depression. These factors range from economic, social, psychological and environmental issues.

For instance, having economic, social and psychological problems can be risk factors for mental disorders. Depression in many low-income communities and countries can largely be attributed to their low purchasing power and poverty (“Depression: A Global Crises, 2012”). Being in a low-income environment can, for instance, lead to overworking to meet personal and family financial obligations. In addition to that, having no leisure time and feeling alienated from friends and family also puts a huge burden on one’s mental wellbeing which. Moreover, family medical history and social lifestyles are other contributing factors to depression and suicide cases in many Australian communities.

It is required of the members of the public and also the medical practitioners as well as social health workers to be on the lookout for mental behaviours in people, which might characterize ‘at risk’ for depression or suicide. One of the factors that put people at risk of depression is substance abuse. This factor can be categorised as a social factor. It is believed that 3 million Australians use an illicit drug, and over 40% of people (ages 14 and above) have used an illicit drug in their lifetime (Health Direct). This, the governmental body revealed can worsen depression, and sometimes leads to a vicious cycle.

Similarly, there are factors that can be considered as putting an individual at risk of suicide. Notably among these factors is mental disorder that has reached the level that put people at risk to self. For example, the Clinical Practice Guide to the Mental Health Act, (2014) highlighted the risk to self as conditions which can put a person at risk of suicide. They include self-harm, repetitive self-injury, self-neglect, missing and people absent without leave. These signs are not to be taken lightly by people around such individuals as they are symptoms of hopelessness, mental burden and feelings of worthlessness. These symptoms are directly connected to mental disorders which can lead to suicide.

The rampant cases of mental health disorders in the country has made the medical field recorded several case studies which clearly depict the causes, development and effects of depression.

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One of these case studies was that of Jack, a 21-year-old mechanic apprentice. Jack became depressed and attempted suicide after the death of his father and disconnection from his mother who had to spend less time with him due to her work. Cases like Jack's and others in the country have necessitated wide and intensive researches to the root cause of the frequency of depressions in the country.

Although several epidemiological, biological and sociological researches conducted have so far been unable to specifically identify the core cause of depression (Depression, anxiety and perinatal). However, in Jack’s case and other cases of that nature, some of the possible contributing…

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…Other associated physical and social issues including all foreseeable side-effects need to be addressed by the primary health providers. To this end, Jack's other need which must be attended to, is the physical damage which the abuse of alcohol must have caused his body.

In essence, to address these physical and psychological needs of the patient, one of the relevant interventions is to provide protected time to engage the patient in a discussion about his current thoughts and feelings ("Depression, anxiety and perinatal"). The discussion should centrally focus on the patient’s concerns and mood with the view to help him feel better. David Horgan, a consultant psychiatrist believed that “anecdotally useful means of obtaining a quick global view is by asking the patient to rate the subjective complaints related to their mental status on a scale of 0-10. The ratings, according to Horgan could bother on the patient’s current stresses, depression, anxiety and fear, hopelessness about their situation, and suicidal thoughts. The rationale behind such intervention is “to demonstrate acceptance and also reinforce comprehensive care” (“Depression, anxiety and perinatal”). Another intervention is to establish the root cause of the patient's depressive mood, which in Jack's case can be traced to a recent bereavement. By establishing the root cause, the primary health professional will have the lead on how best to provide care that will aid the patient’s quick recovery. This intervention has its rationale based on how it helps in “screening and diagnosis of depression in people admitted to hospital”.

In conclusion, depression and other mental health disorders have become a global concern, which requires collective effort to tackle and manage. More than ever before, mental health professionals are saddled with an enormous responsibility to proffer the best methods to prevent and manage the conditions. Also, a higher premium must be placed on carrying out more….....

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