THE ZUBIN FOUNDATION Improves the lives of Hong Kong’s ethnic minorities by reducing suffering and providing opportunities
CASE STUDIES ON SUPPORTING ETHNIC MINORITIES WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS #2 SARA: FAMILY CONFLICTS AROUND FORCED MARRIAGE BACKGROUND Sara is a 20-year-old Pakistani girl, born and raised in Hong Kong. She is a conscientious student and has had good grades, until last year. She is now in her 2nd year of University and has her final exams in a month. Last year her father informed her that after her exams she is expected to move back to Pakistan and marry her cousin. A decision not made by her, but by her parents and her extended family. She is not happy with this marriage because she wants to continue to with further education, however this is dependent on the permission from her husband’s family. She does not know much about her cousin except he is a high-school dropout who does not speak much English.. She tried to talk to her mother about this situation, however she just got upset as she thought she was going against her family’s decision. In her eyes it would be shameful to the family to say no to this marriage. She was hurt by her mother’s reaction and did not dare to talk to her father about it. She is feels low and is unable to focus on her studies. She keeps on worrying about her future meaning she cannot sleep, has a loss of appetite, and has lost weight significantly. Sometimes when she feels helpless she cuts her wrists. She hesitates to talk about this to her friends as it’s a family matter but has mentioned it to one of her friends saying ‘she would be getting married soon’. She feels helpless as she feels like no one can help her. On one occasion she cut her wrist so deep that she was unable to stop the bleeding. Her friend saw it and accompanied her to the hospital. Her friend mentioned to the doctor that she seemed to be under a lot of stress, and it could be due to her impending marriage in few months’ time. Treating doctor referred her to the hospital clinical psychologist. ISSUES FACED BY CLIENT • Forced marriage • Not able to continue her education (possibility) • Conflicts with mother – lack of support from her • Lack of support/ no one to talk to • Mental health symptoms • Self-harm behavior WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP • Safety planning (considering self-harm behavior) and all the emergency contact information • Suicidal risk assessment (possibility of informing close family members if necessary) • Identifying a person (her friend or other family members) to keep an eye on her and seek help if needed (considering her self harm tendency) • Emotional awareness and management • Exploring coping and alternative healthy coping mechanisms rather than self-harm • Practising self-care/ mental well-being - acknowledging the fact that issues cannot be resolved quickly, but how she can still maintain her well being • Diagnosing unhelpful thought patterns and exploring alternatives • Working with the client to explore the situation o What are the various options in terms of her marriage o What can be changed and what cannot be changed • Acceptance of the situation that she cannot change – what can help her in that • Exploring support system/ community support The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited, known as The Zubin Foundation (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344). 小彬紀念基金會 (香港註冊慈善機構 IR 91/12344) 。 Unit 5F, High Fashion Centre, No. 1 Kwai Hei Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong 香港葵涌葵喜街 1 號達利國際中心 5 樓 F 室。 Tel 電話: +852 2540 9588 E-mail 電郵: info@zubinfoundation.org Website 網址: www.zubinfoundation.org © 2023 The Zubin Mahtani Gidumal Foundation Limited (registered charity in Hong Kong - IR 91/12344). All rights reserved.