TRIGGER....

I worked as a psychiatric tech in a state run hospital. One case really got to me. A woman who I had been working with for some time was due to be released but was not ready. She told me she was going to commit suicide. I tried to convince the head nurse, the social worker and even met with her psychiatrist... he pointed out to me that he was the professional and better able to make the decision for her release. Not only did they release her, but they gave her enough medications for an overdose. Which she promptly took when she was discharged and as a result died.

I questioned my role as a psych tech and whether or not I was suited for the job. After much soul searching, I decided I was suited for the job--I had done everything in my power to help this person. My efforts were in vain in this particular case, but there were other times where I made a difference in people's lives. Just like you made the difference in the person whose death was peaceful--you helped bring about that peace. That is a very special gift you gave to that person. But, sometimes, some situations are out of our control.

Due to other reasons, I am no longer in the psych field...but I do miss the special moments we have when we connect with a pt/client and help them in some way...even if it is a little thing, it all makes a difference.