Virginia’s Story

Content warning: Suicidal ideation 

Virginia is a 15-year-old girl who was brought to The Bridge by her mother. Prior to coming to The Bridge Virginia was found harming herself and having severe panic attacks in school.

During a session with her therapist at The Bridge, Virginia shared that she feels as if no one understands her and stated that she often has suicidal thoughts. She also expressed that people are always telling her that she is a strong person and that she is overreacting. She explained to her counselor that prescribed antidepressants have not helped and she doesn’t believe that she is a strong person. Life is overwhelming for her and she can’t stop thinking about suicide.

Virginia’s Bridge therapist asked her if she had the means and a plan to take her life. She mentioned that she had pills at home and could not stop thinking about taking them and was strongly considering swallowing them when she got home. At that time, Virginia’s therapist realized the severity of the situation and consulted with his supervisor and decided that hospitalization would be the most appropriate treatment for her given the extent of the suicidal ideation.

When approached that hospitalization would be the best course of treatment, Virginia responded that she would be willing to go to the hospital and her therapist quickly gathered details on where to go. Due to the severity of her suicidal thoughts her therapist suggested that her mother take her in immediately. Virginia’s mother agreed and took her straight to the hospital where an assessment was completed. Later that evening she was admitted to the hospital. Her mom called the Bridge therapist the next day and thanked him for understanding the severity and for helping Virginia receive the care that she needed.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, click here or call 1-800-273-8255 to be connected with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

The client stories shared on our blog are based on real scenarios, but names and identifying details have been changed or removed.