Doctor Nguyen Viet Chung, from E Hospital's Department of Mental Health, reported that a clinical examination on 16/10 diagnosed the patient with a moderate to severe depressive episode. The department prescribed a combination of antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy to manage mental breakdowns and mitigate suicide risk.

Before her admission, the patient endured chronic insomnia, low energy, and withdrew from social interactions. As a freelancer, she consistently produced quality work but felt tormented because her profession lacked a specific title like doctor, engineer, or technology expert. Witnessing acquaintances advance in their careers and being proudly introduced by their families led her to a state of despair.

"I feel my efforts are meaningless, and my family has nothing to be proud of to others," the patient confided to the doctor.

Accumulated psychological pressure manifested as self-punishment. Whenever negative emotions became overwhelming, she would cut her skin and inflict injuries on her body to release psychological distress. She dismissed her work achievements, attributing all successes to random luck, and blamed all obstacles on her own perceived incompetence.

Illustration: Ray Of Hope

Illustration: Ray Of Hope

According to Doctor Chung, this case exemplifies a common cognitive distortion among young individuals facing societal pressure. While learning from others' success can be a positive motivator, it becomes detrimental when it transforms into extreme comparison and self-denial, eroding self-esteem. Self-isolation further depletes social support, accelerating the onset of mental disorders in those with a sensitive predisposition.

During psychotherapy, the patient gradually identified distorted thought patterns and began to accept her true capabilities. Her proactive recognition of self-deprecating behavior proved pivotal to the effectiveness of the medical intervention.

Doctor Chung advises families to closely monitor relatives for unusual symptoms such as chronic insomnia, loss of interest in life, prolonged physical weakness, social withdrawal, or unexplained bodily injuries. These are critical warning signs of mental illness requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent self-harm from escalating into unintentional suicidal acts.

Thuy Quynh