Lebanon Clinic Case Study 1

H. H., born in 1990, is a mother of five children. Despite the heavy responsibilities she carries, life has posed significant challenges for her. Seeking a routine dental check-up at the SCM Clinic, H.’s visit took an unexpected turn when it was discovered that her mental health required urgent attention. During her first psychological session, it became evident that H. was suffering from bipolar disorder, a condition that had profoundly impacted her life, especially following the tragic death of her two years old young daughter.

Impact of Loss and Mental Health Struggles

The loss of her daughter was a traumatic experience that led to a severe psychological breakdown, requiring immediate psychological intervention. H. sought help for her dental care, but the SCM Clinic staff quickly realized that her emotional and mental well-being was just as critical.

Clinic’s Support and Interventions

Recognizing the gravity of her situation, SCM Clinic not only offered free dental treatment but also extended its services to provide free psychological therapy sessions for H. and her children. This initiative marked a pivotal step in H.’s journey toward healing, ensuring that both her physical and mental health were addressed in tandem.

Psychological Needs of the Children

Further assessment revealed that H.’s children were also in dire need of psychological support. The loss of their sister and their mother’s psychological distress had significantly affected their mental and emotional well-being. Consequently, therapy sessions were extended to the children, aiming to help them cope with their grief and adjust to the challenging family circumstances.

Individualized Care for Each Child

The children exhibited a range of psychological and behavioral issues:

1. The Eldest Son (13 years old): The oldest child displayed signs of depression and exhibited aggressive behavior towards family members, including his siblings. His aggression was identified as the primary source of conflict within the family, further complicating the dynamics.
2. The Second Son (12 years old): Although this child also showed signs of aggression, he demonstrated greater resilience during therapy and was more responsive to the therapeutic process, suggesting a better ability to adapt.
3. The Daughter (11 years old): Deeply affected by the loss of her sister, the 11-year-old daughter developed behavioral issues and became the target of bullying by her siblings. This reflected the extent of the emotional turmoil she was experiencing.
4. The Youngest Son (4 years old): The youngest child adopted negative behaviors, influenced by his older siblings, which led to similar behavioral challenges.

Therapeutic Approach

In response to these challenges, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was implemented to address and modify the children’s aggressive behaviors. The therapy focused on fostering positive communication among family members and gradually helping the children develop healthier coping mechanisms. Each child received individualized attention to address their unique emotional needs and assist them in managing the difficulties stemming from their family circumstances.

Support and Ongoing Treatment

The SCM Clinic also provided the family with necessary medications and free dental supplies, catering to their specific needs. The clinic’s comprehensive support has been crucial in facilitating H. and her children’s ongoing recovery process.

Conclusion

This case underscores the critical role that community support and holistic care can play in alleviating the pain and distress of individuals facing extreme hardship. Through the compassionate initiative of SCM Clinic, H. and her children have embarked on a path toward psychological healing and emotional recovery. While significant progress has been made, H. and her children continue to receive ongoing therapy to support their continued well-being and recovery.

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