Is Casey at risk for suicide? IMO, absolutely. I say this for several reasons, one being that she has a short-sighted, simplistic world view with a history of thinking and acting as though she could use her verbal (flattery, fabricate, deny, distract, defend, etc.) and/or nonverbally (favors, dissimulation, noncompliance, acting-out, etc.) skills to both get what she wants and to avoid what she does not want, including manipulate her way out of ANY crisis. Manipulation as a lifestyle, particularly emotional manipulations, are very difficult to do in a prison with well trained staff and dominant inmates, and very particularly if there is no enabler with power and control. Given her characteristics that are consistent with histrionic, narcissistic, and borderline characteristics, Casey has already lost most of her personal power and influence, and about the only thing she controls is her bladder. She still has a bit of misguided hope, but the situational depression and general existential restlessness she experiences will certainly increase. Time and the loss of control are taking their toll. Cognitive isolation will take its toll too. Time, regimentation, and cognitive isolation for someone like Casey is a killer.
Casey is basically alone in a locked cell, most likely under fairly close observation, which would afford her some social contact from approved visitors and staff (e.g., religious, case management, custody, mental health). She, as many inmates (i.e., those in administrative segregation, disciplinary segregation, protective custody, or on death row), still has lots of time on her hands, which she will fill by focusing on her past (e.g. reflecting, reconstructing memories), present (e.g., physical sensations, pure fantasy, or just building time as best she can, more or less under the influence of drugs), and future (exercising her imagination, projecting herself into the future, including current planning). Under such conditions, individuals are constantly confronted with the reality their isolation, both physically and cognitively.
Of course, people start such conditions of confinement with a wide range of cognitive-behavioral-motivational predispositions and capacities, including a wide range of beliefs and related values; however, eventually most will exercise their memories progressively into the past and rebuild their SELF up to their present circumstance, essentially re-framing their understanding of their position in life, creating new opportunities for adaptive efforts related to the present and future. Of course, this re-framing process is more or less accurate and adaptive, depending on the individual and what kinds of supportive and protective structure and feedback they have. With professional counseling and accurate knowledge, such a process can have a beneficial effect, even on the most hardened criminal. Many, even the most worthless, do become interested in adaptive change, even religion, spending hundreds of hours studying the religious books of their choice. Many become keenly aware that knowledge is indeed power and an essential survival tool. Many determine to become more informed about basic human nature and their own nature. Personal education and self-knowledge become increasing important as the conditions of confinement continue to take their toll. Like it or not, Casey will have to confront her SELF, dealing with herself is about all she will have after her trial. Its not a painless or easy process. If Casey is praying, it may be a very positive step in the process of her own habilitation. God, and topics and organizations related to God, take on a compelling nature in prison, regardless of ones true motives. I can not imagine the pain Casey would experience if she is guilty and comes to a full understanding of what she did. I think she should be on suicide watch until long after her trial. Hyperventilating and requesting drugs? We havent even started the trial yet ... direct observation and no supply of drugs would be advisable.
As always, just my opinions,
Russell
, I was just sounding in because the trend in over-prescribing never ceases to shock me.
