Case Studies  

Sarah

   In looking at Sarah’s life, it is difficult to believe she previously suffered from symptoms of mental illness which were so severe and impairing they prevented her from functioning safely and independently in the community.  Today, Sarah is a hard-working, intelligent, friendly college graduate who lives in an apartment with her boyfriend, works full time in a restaurant as a Sous Chef, and talks with her parents several times per week.  But her life has not always been so easy….

To fully understand the impact that LCI has had on Sarah’s life and functioning, it is important to know what compelled her parents, Mary and Jeff, to hire LCI to begin with.  They had grave concerns about Sarah’s self-destructive and impulsive behaviors which were having a ripple-effect on all aspects of her life.  She had been living in an apartment which she destroyed—cigarette burns in the carpeting, damaged walls, and garbage strewn all around.  These environmental issues, combined with her frequent loud music, playing the guitar, and rowdy social interactions, led to a planned eviction from her apartment. 

Sarah had been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder many years prior.  However, she refused compliance with prescribed medications, was frequently in and out of the psychiatric hospitals, and exhibited impulsive, self-destructive, and dangerous behaviors.  Sarah experienced hallucinations and delusions as a result of her mental illness, which were likely exacerbated by her frequent use of illicit drugs and alcohol.  Her parents were overwhelmed and distraught by her lack of response to their efforts, trying to provide support and structure to their daughter.  They feared for her life and for her safety, especially given her erratic behavior combined with the types of impulsive and formidable “friends” who surrounded her.  Sarah’s parents, Mary and Jeff, had provided her with considerable financial support, with hope that the money would be an effective tool to propel her into a fully independent and functioning adult.  With their emotional and monetary resources drained, Mary and Jeff contacted LCI for help, and thus began a new chapter in their lives. 

LCI began by having daily correspondence with Sarah, to check on her medication compliance, daily activities, and her money situation.  LCI also encouraged her to consider the goals, hopes, dreams, and ambitions that she envisioned for herself.  Sarah was eventually evicted from her apartment, and required psychiatric hospitalization, but was later discharged to a hotel that she requested in Chicago.  LCI negotiated a budget with her parents to reduce funds available for liquor and marijuana.  Sarah established relationships at the hotel, became active in her neighborhood, and attended Catholic Charities soup kitchen for meals.  She also began going to outpatient therapy and established a trusting relationship with her friend, Joe.  Once it was agreed that Sarah and Joe were having a positive effect on each other, and that it was not an enabling relationship, LCI assisted with negotiations between Sarah and her parents.  They moved to a larger apartment and she agreed to continue her compliance with mental health treatment.  Sarah’s drinking and marijuana use has decreased, her mood has improved, and she has begun to appreciate the benefits of sobriety. 

LCI is pleased to report that Sarah’s personal and professional responsibilities have exceeded her own goals.  She works in a restaurant and was promoted from a bussing position to Sous Chef, working full time.  Her apartment is clean and well-kept, Joe continues to be supportive of her endeavors, and she has maintained a positive relationship with her parents with whom she talks several times per week.  For LCI, Sarah is another success story.  LCI will continue to be involved in supporting her personal and professional goals and will continue guiding her towards future success with all aspects of her life. back. . .