Case Study - Jane's story
You are a social worker based in the emergency department of a hospital in a major capital city. It is your responsibility to assess people who present with possible mental health issues and to facilitate follow-up when they are discharged from hospital.
Jane is referred for an assessment after she is escorted by the police to the emergency department following an argument with her boyfriend. Both Jane and her boyfriend were intoxicated at the time of the argument and neighbours contacted the police. Jane expressed suicidal ideation in the presence of the police.
Jane is a 32-year-old divorcee who works as a shop assistant in one of the local supermarkets. She is estranged from her family of origin. Jane's parents and one brother live in the western suburbs. She describes herself as always having been the black sheep' of the family. At the age of sixteen years, Jane became pregnant and had a daughter. Neither Jane nor her daughter has contact with the biological father.
Jane's daughter is now fifteen years of age and Jane reports an overall good relationship with her. Jane states that her daughter and her job are the two positive aspects of her life. Jane's daughter was not at home at the time of the argument with her boyfriend. Jane reports a history of traumatic relationships, including a marriage of five years in which she was a survivor of verbal abuse and physical assault on a regular basis. Assault by her ex-husband resulting in Jane requiring a two-day hospital admission instigated her separation from him twelve months ago.
Jane currently resides in a two-bedroom unit with her daughter and boyfriend of six months. Jane states that she often feels Worried', especially about finances, so she smokes cigarettes and marijuana to 'calm down'. Jane reports past alcohol abuse but denies this currently.
At the time of assessment, Jane presents as slightly agitated and restricted in responses to questions. She is minimising of circumstances, which prompted her presentation to the hospital.