‘Just Being Dramatic?’ Sociocultural invalidation and suicide attempts in women: a report of two cases
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Abstract
Background: In recent years, mental health awareness has advanced, reducing stigmas and encouraging open discussions about conditions like major depressive disorder. However, a persistent issue is the frequent invalidation of women's psychological distress, often dismissed as oversensitivity or drama. This invalidation exacerbates their suffering and can worsen symptoms, potentially leading to severe outcomes like suicidal behavior. We present two cases exemplifying this pattern.
Case Presentations: Case 1: Mrs. S, a 28-year-old female, attempted suicide by ingesting hydrochloric acid after an argument with her husband. She suffered severe burns to her oral cavity, Esophagus, and stomach, requiring emergency surgery. During psychiatric evaluation, her husband reported agitation and crying spells. Six weeks later, Mrs. S expressed emotional distress, feeling unsupported by her husband and in-laws, who dismissed her actions as dramatic. She had engaged in self-destructive behaviors during episodes of intense distress. She was diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
Case 2: Mrs. R, a 41-year-old female with a 15-year history of depression, showed signs of major depressive disorder, including anhedonia, insomnia, and suicidal ideation. She had also been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, which was being managed with thyroxine. Her daughter dismissed her symptoms as melodramatic. Mrs. R had attempted suicide by overdosing on thyroxine, requiring emergency intervention. The family’s delayed response, initially dismissing her condition as theatrics, highlighted their lack of understanding of her serious mental health struggles.
Conclusion: Both cases highlight the detrimental impact of dismissing women's psychological distress, emphasizing the need for timely recognition and empathetic support to prevent severe outcomes.
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