Reference no: EM133508643
Case: You have received a referral for Louis, part of which included an in-depth questionnaire which is summarised below.
Louis is a 45-year-old man whose wife, Bec, died from breast cancer last year. Louis and Bec had two children Jake, aged 11, and Francesca aged 9. Louis and Bec were childhood sweethearts, they were married when they were both 19. Louis describes Bec as his 'best friend, his soulmate, his universe'. Louis has been left with the care of his two children and is finding life extremely hard.
Louis describes the support Bec gave him when his mother died by suicide a week before his 21st birthday when they were travelling through Cambodia. He noted his distress, and guilt at not being there for his mother after supporting him with highs and lows all his life. Louis' mother had been diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder prior to her death and recently Louis has wondered if perhaps he has "inherited it".
Louis identified the love and absolute admiration he felt when both his children were born as a highlight in his life. Before their birth, Loui and Bec practiced meditation, which Louis found very helpful.
Louis continues to feel overwhelmed ad traumatised by his wife's diagnosis and consequent death. Louis stated that part of his grief comes from the loss of plans he and Bec held, such as travelling and becoming grandparents. Louis feels his planned life had been taken away from him and he "doesn't know how to get back".
Louis reports that he is feeling overwhelmed with sadness, says he has been "drinking too much to numb the pain" and feels unable to cope at times with the demands of his work, the children and his own grief. At night Louis will stay up drinking beer and looking through their wedding and honeymoon photo albums. Louis' sleep is extremely poor and when he does sleep, he doesn't want to get out of bed and wishes it was him that died, not Bec.
Louis stated he knows he should "get himself together' for the kids' sake" and feels his mental health is rapidly declining and he is "losing the will to go on" as he can't seem to be able to "work through the pain". Louis has indicated he "doesn't want to die, but I don't particularly want to live either", however he does wish to see his children grow up. Louis has indicated he feels overwhelmed with the responsibility of sole parenting at times.
Louis is aware the children are struggling also. Jake has been in trouble at school which was previously very out of character for him. He has become withdrawn and angry. Francesca has started wetting the bed and sucking her thumb. She has not done either of these since she was 4 years old. Louis characterised his children as "good kids doing it so bloody tough".
Louis's is supported by his sister and sister in law, who have both expressed concern for him. Louis often relies on his sister to help with the kids a few days per week.
Louis has a good rapport with is colleagues at work, however recently he was involved in an altercation with a peer where he wanted to "knock their block off". Louis indicated this is very out of character for him and makes him wonder what will become of him.
Frances has insisted Louis talk to a professional even if it is the family GP, Louis has reluctantly agreed and has as a result, was referred Indigo Community Services Health Hub. His GP has also recommended Louis meet with a registered psychologist. Louis is willing to meet with a mental health worker, but is worried that in doing so, it may affect his children living with him at home and feels that getting extra support may be a "burden on everyone".
How would you facilitate access to the appropriate help after obtaining the above information from Louis?