Step 1: Identify the Main Psychological
Problems
A psychologist will first identify what is going on.
Main problems:
1. Depressive symptoms
Sad mood
Loss of interest in life
Hopeless thinking (“everything is pointless”)
2. Suicidal ideation (danger signs)
“I’m tired of life”
“This will all be over soon”
Social withdrawal
3. Stress due to job loss
Financial stress
Loss of purpose and self-worth
Step 2: Immediate Risk Assessment
Before therapy, the psychologist must check safety.
The psychologist will gently ask:
“Have you thought about hurting yourself?”
“Do you have any plan?”
“Have you tried before?”
“Do you feel life is not worth living?”
This is called Suicide Risk Assessment.
Why this is important:
Because Ahmed’s statements show possible suicidal intent
Safety comes before everything else
Step 3: Ensure Safety (Crisis Management)
If risk is moderate to high, the psychologist will:
1. Not leave Ahmed alone
2. Inform family (with care and confidentiality)
3. Remove harmful objects if needed
4. Refer to psychiatrist if medication is required
5. Create a safety plan
Safety Plan includes:
Emergency contact numbers
One trusted person Ahmed can call
Reasons to stay alive (family, future goals)
Steps to take when thoughts become strong
Step 4: Build Therapeutic Relationship
(Rapport)
The psychologist will:
Talk calmly and kindly
Listen without judging
Make Ahmed feel understood and safe
Example:
“You’ve been through a very hard time. Losing a job can make anyone
feel hopeless. Your feelings make sense.”
This reduces shame and isolation.
Step 5: Psychological Diagnosis (Simple)
Based on symptoms, the likely diagnosis is:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Or
Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood
(This depends on duration and severity)
Step 6: Start Psychological Treatment
1: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is best for depression.
What psychologist will do:
Identify negative thoughts
“My life is useless”
“Nothing will get better”
Teach Ahmed to challenge these thoughts
Replace them with realistic thoughts
Example:
“I lost my job, so my life is over”
“I lost one job, not my whole future”
2: Behavioral Activation
Depression makes people stop doing things.
The psychologist will:
Encourage small activities
Slowly increase daily routine
Reduce isolation
Examples:
Short walk
Meeting one friend
Applying for one job a day
Action first, motivation later.
3: Emotion Expression
Ahmed may be holding pain inside.
The psychologist will help him:
Talk about fear, shame, anger
Express grief over job loss
Understand emotions are temporary
4: Problem-Solving Therapy
Job loss is a real problem.
Psychologist will help Ahmed:
Break problems into small steps
Explore job options
Improve coping skills
Regain sense of control
Step 7: Family Involvement (Culturally
Important)
In Pakistani culture, family support is crucial.
With Ahmed’s permission:
Educate family about depression
Teach them how to support
Reduce criticism or pressure
Step 8: Referral to Psychiatrist (If Needed)
If:
Depression is severe
Suicidal thoughts are strong
No improvement with therapy
Refer to psychiatrist for antidepressant medication
(Psychologist + Psychiatrist work together)
Step 9: Follow-Up and Monitoring
The psychologist will:
Regularly check mood
Monitor suicidal thoughts
Adjust treatment plan
Encourage hope and future planning
Final Summary
Ahmed is showing signs of depression with suicidal risk due to job loss.
A psychologist will first assess suicide risk and ensure safety. Then,
therapy will focus on emotional support, cognitive restructuring,
behavioral activation, and problem-solving skills. Family involvement
and psychiatric referral may be required. Continuous monitoring and
supportive counseling will help Ahmed regain hope and functioning.