Case Presentation Minji Intake Date July

Case Presentation Minji 민지intake Date July Xxxxxxidentifyingdemo

Minji, a 48-year-old Korean female, presented to the emergency room after overdosing on antihistamines. She reported feeling sad, tearful, and experiencing difficulty sleeping for the past two months, which began after her husband unexpectedly requested a divorce. Minji expressed feelings of betrayal and desperation, particularly in light of her cultural expectations around marriage. She denied any previous psychiatric issues or substance use and reported being generally healthy with no significant medical history.

Minji is married with four children who are now out of the house and lives in San Francisco. Her childhood was unremarkable, and she moved to the United States from South Korea 28 years ago with her husband, who was offered a job in technology. Initially facing language barriers, she eventually acclimated and integrated into American culture, fostering a broad circle of friends through her involvement in her children's schools. She reports no difficulties in her marriage, and her emotional variability over the past two months has included symptoms of anxiety and depression.

During the mental status examination, Minji appeared well-groomed, appropriately dressed, and her behavior was congruent with her age. Her mood was depressed, and she lacked eye contact, with an affect that was anxious. Her speech was clear, and her thoughts were logical and organized. She was oriented to time, place, and person and expressed ongoing concerns about her future, indicating her need to come to terms with life after divorce and explore her options. There were no signs of delusions or hallucinations, and her cognitive functioning appeared intact overall.

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The case of Minji presents a poignant example of the psychological impact of significant life stressors within a cultural context. Her presentation underscores how abrupt relationship disruptions, such as divorce, can lead to acute psychiatric symptoms, including suicidal ideation and depressive episodes. Understanding her background, mental state, and social dynamics is critical in formulating an effective treatment plan that addresses both her immediate risk and longer-term emotional recovery.

Minji’s profound reaction to her husband's divorce request highlights the centrality of cultural and familial roles in her identity and emotional well-being. In many East Asian cultures, including Korean society, the roles of wife and mother are deeply ingrained and carry significant social expectations. The failure of these roles or perceived betrayal can evoke intense feelings of shame, failure, and hopelessness, which might contribute to her suicidal behavior (Kim & Lee, 2018). Such cultural considerations are essential for clinicians to recognize, as they influence both symptom presentation and engagement with treatment.

The healthcare team’s response to Minji’s overdose involved immediate medical clearance and outpatient referral, which are appropriate steps. However, addressing her mental health comprehensively requires a culturally sensitive approach that considers her worldview and social support system. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has demonstrated efficacy in treating depression and suicidal ideation among diverse populations, including Asian Americans (Kim et al., 2020). CBT can help Minji reframe her thoughts about her self-worth and future possibilities while developing coping strategies to manage grief, anxiety, and cultural identity conflicts.

Additionally, incorporating family therapy may be beneficial, especially given the importance of family dynamics in her life. Engaging her husband and children in therapy could facilitate understanding, forgiveness, and rebuilding relationships, provided that all parties are willing. Community-based support groups tailored for Asian immigrant women facing divorce or emotional distress could also play a valuable role by providing social connection and shared understanding (Lee & Lee, 2019).

Furthermore, addressing her acculturation process is crucial. Her initial challenges with language and cultural adaptation, though overcome, may still contribute to stress. Providing access to cultural liaison services or bilingual mental health professionals can enhance communication and trust, thereby improving treatment adherence and outcomes (Nguyen & Leong, 2021).

Overall, Minji’s case emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that integrates cultural competence, evidence-based psychotherapy, and social support. Recognizing the cultural significance of her roles and the personal meaning she attributes to her experiences is paramount in helping her navigate this challenging period. Her resilience—evident in her ability to adapt to American society and maintain her social network—can be harnessed as a foundation for recovery and growth.

References

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• Kim, J., Kim, S., & Park, S. (2020). Culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression in Asian American populations. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 49, 101932.
• Lee, A., & Lee, S. (2019). Social support and mental health outcomes among Asian immigrant women: A review. Journal of Social Work & Social Welfare, 46(4), 57–78.
• Nguyen, T., & Leong, C. (2021). Cultural competence in mental health care for Asian immigrants: Strategies and implications. Mental Health & Culture, 24(2), 98–112.
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