48 Case Studies 05: Suicide

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Mable picked up the phone and started calling people at random. Somehow, she ended up with your number. Mable confessed she didn’t know why she was calling you but felt an inexplicable urge to do so. She began to share her sordid story: she was at the end of a complicated and frustrating life and felt hopeless.

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Mable explained that she had “tried God,” but in her words, “He didn’t work for me.” Admittedly, as you inquired more, she did reveal her lack of understanding of Christianity. She talked about how she had mapped out her plans for death the previous week, written goodbye notes, and tied up loose ends. She believed there was nothing left to do but end her life. Yet, before taking that final step, she felt compelled to make one more phone call—and you answered.

Mable is a divorced Christian and the mother of a teenager. She attends a Southern Baptist church but lacks strong connections within the community. Her church has not been intentional about building relationships with her, which was great for Mable because her default was to isolate. She hasn’t maintained a job for the past 15 years due to a diagnosis and the prescribed medications. Now middle-aged, lonely, fearful, and weary, she is nervous and overwhelmed by despair. “What’s the use?” she asks.

Case Study Questions

1. What else would you like to know about Mable?
2. What kind of detailed plan would you map out to help her? Be practical.
3. Based on the information that you currently have, how do you think Mable got to the point where she wants to take her life?

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).