To begin to understand the extent and depth of suicidal thinking which is affecting Gary, we will begin with an examination of Gary’s history with suicide. In 1989, while in the military, Gary attempted to electrocute himself which did not end his life. Gary was hospitalized following the 1989 attempt. Gary has had no family or friends who have died by suicide. Gary states he does have a foster brother who has overdosed on drugs on multiple occasions; however, it is unclear whether his foster brother was attempting to end his life. Gary has two recent suicide attempts. Approximately two weeks ago, Gary acquired over-the-counter sleeping pills from a retail pharmacy. Combining the sleeping pills with alcohol, Gary attempted to end his life. The next day, Gary went back to the store and obtained more sleeping pills; he took the second set of sleeping pills with a small amount of alcohol. After the second set of pills, Gary reports he was sick and hallucinating for a few days. Five days after taking the sleeping pills, Gary contacted a friend who suggested he consider attending counseling. …show more content…
About suicide, Gary states “it is always an option.” During the first session, Gary stated his desire to live was at a four on a scale of 0 to 10, 0 being desire to die and 10 being desire to live. Two weeks prior to the session, Gary reports he had been at a