Suji is a high school senior. Her mother passed away three weeks ago after a long battle with cancer. Suji stayed home for a week after the funeral, but she has been back at school since then. At school, she has been tearful in class a few times. Often, she appears to be “checked out.” Teachers and friends have to call her name repeatedly to get her attention. Although Suji has always gotten good grades, she just got a D on her math test. At lunch, she spends more time pushing food around on her plate than eating it.
Based on this information, do you believe that Suji needs professional help to cope with the death of her mother? Why or why not?
What additional information would be helpful to know about Suji's life to be sure about your response to question 1?
How would your answer change if Suji were still showing these behaviors a year later?" Please explain.
