MENTAL HEALTH CASE STUDIES I. You have noticed that a coworker seems to be somewhat withdrawn and "down" over the past week or so. She seems somewhat unapproachable although you know something is wrong. You also notice that she is not dressing as smartly as she usually does and has lost the "sparkle" that is usually found on her face. She looks visibly tired and seems somewhat lifeless. In addition, she hasn't been going to lunch and doesn't seem to be eating much. Your work relationship so far has been strictly professional and she doesn't seem to react positively to any kind of personal interactions.
What do you do?
II. You are the educator of a congregation and notice that you have a child who engages in extremely erratic behavior, is violent with other kids on the playground, and is frequently sent to the principal's office. You've tried approaching the parents and they are resistant to any kind of intervention and deny that there is anything wrong with their child. There is no school psychologist on staff and the child's teacher has come to you in tears.
How do you handle this situation?
III. As a rabbi, one of your congregants comes to you for pastoral counseling. He has just been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. He is worried about how this will affect him spiritually, personally and professionally. He works for a Jewish organization and doesn't know how to tell his boss. Even more troubling, he is resistant to tell his family and he is conflicted about being on any kind of medication. Instead, he looks to you for answers and for you to guide him through this difficult period.
What is your role in this situation?
Do you give advice, and if so, what are your recommendations?
Do you have any responsibility to his family because they are also your congregants?
Multimedia: 