HELP SPRINGS ETERNAL

Kathleen Hof

An idealistic social worker matches wits with a depressed young man, refusing to let him commit suicide, until he receives the antidepressants and counseling he needs to once again live his life.

Cliff is extremely depressed. He's lost his job, apartment and girlfriend. Bills are piling up and he has no money to pay them. As a final blow to his ego, he must return to live with his mother. Feeling hopeless, he feels the only way out is suicide. Cliff attempts to kill himself by drowning and fails. But, on the rescue team is an idealistic social worker, Hope. Cliff is committed to a psychiatric ward for 72 hours where Hope works. She stays with him for days. But, the first time she takes a break, Cliff attempts suicide via swallowing while restrained to the bed and under 24 a day suicide watch. Again, he fails. Per the law, Cliff attends a commitment hearing. Hope fights to keep him committed but the incompetence of the psychiatrist and judge results in his discharge despite the fact he remains a danger to himself. Still depressed, Cliff fakes taking his medication and attempts suicide by hanging. Hope, who has been following up with him via home visits discovers his plan at the last possible second. She saves him during his suicide attempt. Cliff is once again committed to the psychiatric ward. This time he is not prematurely discharged. He takes his medication and attends group and individual therapy with Hope. Ultimately, Cliff goes on to live a full and happy life.

Family

16 pages