Assignment task:
Imagine that you are working in a local counselling service. You have just started working with Tom, a 23year old man who has come to the service after his mother's unexpected death. Tom was raised by his mother, with whom he was close. The loss of his mother has been extremely distressing for him. He tells you he is struggling to cope, sleeping poorly, and under-performing at work as a result, which he worries will put his position in jeopardy.
While he has friends and relatives who offered support after his mother's death, he has not told any of them about the continuing effects of the loss. He says, "I haven't really been speaking to anyone - whenever they call l say l don't have time to talk or just don't answer the phone at all. I'm getting really slack replying to messages, too".
When you ask whether he has seen friends or family recently he says, "To be honest, Ive kind f been avoiding them. I've even been avoiding my housemates - just watching TV in my room or whatever instead of hanging out with them, which l used to do all the time. In a way, l think it's better to do that, because it seems like every time l speak to someone l end up getting really frustrated or upset.
He also says he is drinking more than is usual for him. He says that he is generally a social drinker and does not drink during the week, but is now drinking every day, and quite often to excess.
Having identifies these risk factors and warning sign, you decide it is necessary to ask Tom abot thoughts of suicide.
Write what you would say to Tom to reflect what he has told you and ask him whether he was having any thoughts of suicide.