Chapter 2, Mr. Wang Who Contemplated Suicide

This man is surnamed Wang and works as a factory worker in a machinery plant. In his youth, due to his short stature and unremarkable appearance, he was unable to find a partner. It was not until he was in his thirties that he was introduced to his current wife. His wife is 5 years younger than him and has a pleasant appearance.

However, given his own circumstances, he had no qualifications to be picky. The fact that someone was willing to marry him was already quite good, so he no longer troubled himself with such matters and instead treated his wife very well

Since you suspect that the child is not yours, why not get a paternity test? I asked after listening to his account

Shortly after the marriage, the wife became pregnant, which delighted Mr. Wang immensely

However, the good times did not last long. One day, while he was taking a stroll in the neighborhood with his son, an elderly woman said something that he could never let go of. Originally, a few elderly people were surrounding him and his son, some praising the child's good looks, and others complimenting the child's sturdy build. Suddenly, an old lady remarked, "Fortunately, this child does not look like you; otherwise, he wouldn't be so good-looking!"

Nevertheless, the expenses for electricity, water, and daily meals are also significant. Most importantly, without any patients, I lack the confidence to continue.

After Mr. Wang left, Xiao Feng snatched the 100 yuan and scoffed, "Great, finally I have my first income, I will keep it for you!"

Mr. Wang glanced up at me for a moment, then lowered his head again, "I do not have the courage to die either"

Since then, Mr. Wang has seemed like a different person, filled with suspicion all day long. At times, he feels that his wife has done something to wrong him, and at other times, he doubts that the child is his. Even when his wife answers a phone call or plays on her phone, he suspects she is in contact with some lover. However, deep down, he is somewhat timid; even when he has doubts, he does not dare to voice them, let alone directly ask his wife.

It was a gloomy day when a short, simple-looking man walked into the clinic. Xiao Feng promptly greeted him with enthusiasm. However, as soon as the man spoke, he inquired about the fees. Xiao Feng briefly explained the pricing standards, and the man appeared somewhat hesitant.

Hehe, what kind of income is this? It is not even enough for a week's worth of lunch money

I asked him to have tea first and did not inquire about anything else for half a day. For someone with such extreme emotions, it is necessary to allow him to calm down a bit. After a long while, he began to speak to himself again: "I want to commit suicide; this thought has been with me for a long time!"

Thus, he truly spent a period of time that was both joyful and happy

Subsequently, I asked Mr. Wang to lie down on the massage chair and provided him with psychological relaxation therapy. The process was quite professional, primarily involving Gestalt therapy, so I will not elaborate on the details. In summary, after the session, Mr. Wang appeared to be much better, and he felt significantly more relaxed mentally

At that time, Mr. Wang did not take it to heart; he merely laughed along with everyone. However, after returning home, he carefully observed his son and indeed found that there was nothing resembling himself. From that moment on, a shadow was cast over his heart. Who would have thought that later, when a colleague came to visit, they would also say the same thing upon seeing the child, which deepened his doubts about whether his son was truly his own.

However, I do not believe that he truly wanted to commit suicide. Would someone who intends to take their own life still be so concerned about the price issue? Clearly, there is something else going on; the desire to commit suicide is merely a facade.

I hurriedly went out to greet the man and informed him that for the grand opening, the first patient would receive a free consultation. After hearing this, he looked at me with suspicion a few times before hesitantly entering the consultation room. I invited him to sit on the sofa and asked Xiao Feng to bring some tea, then I began to inquire about the issues he wanted to discuss.

However, the heart's ailment requires a remedy from the heart; unless the knots in his heart are untied, he will not be able to overcome this psychological barrier. In his presence, I contacted a classmate who works at a DNA testing center and recommended that Mr. Wang undergo a paternity test. I also explained to him what a paternity test entails, how client confidentiality is maintained, and other matters that Mr. Wang is particularly concerned about. After that, I saw him off from the clinic.

At this point, I can confirm that Mr. Wang is exhibiting symptoms of mild delusional disorder. If this situation continues unchecked, it is highly likely that his condition will worsen and potentially evolve into schizophrenia. Should he become despondent and consider taking drastic measures, the problem would become even more severe

"If you have the courage to die, then do you not have the courage to face the books?" I suddenly asked.

Subsequently, he gradually began to recount his experiences

In fact, for a small clinic like mine, the originally set price is not high. It is considerably lower than the charging standards of the industry. However, since psychological therapy is still a relatively new concept, many people do not understand it and think that charging by the hour for just talking is not worth it

He became increasingly neurotic, sometimes while at work, suddenly thinking about whether his wife was at home having an affair with her lover. He would then immediately abandon his work, without even taking a leave, and rush home. Yet, he found nothing.

Thus, he spent the entire day in suspicion and paranoia, unable to sleep through the night, his mental state on the verge of collapse, until ultimately he developed thoughts of wanting to commit suicide

When one door closes, another opens; just as I was about to lose all hope, the first patient arrived.

Mr. Wang replied dejectedly, lowering his head, "I had thought about it before; firstly, I heard it is very expensive, and secondly, I am afraid of embarrassing myself..."

After ten months of pregnancy, on the day of delivery, Mrs. Wang gave birth to a lovely son. This brought Mr. Wang even greater joy, as he devoted himself to caring for his wife and child, working even harder to produce more parts than others in the factory, earning money for the baby's formula.

About half a month later, Mr. Wang came to the clinic once again, wearing a joyful expression. He shook my hand and repeatedly expressed his gratitude, saying that after the identification, his son was confirmed to be his biological child! Moreover, upon learning this result, he no longer doubted his wife, and he was eating well and sleeping soundly. Today, he made a special trip to thank me and insisted on giving me 100 yuan, claiming it was for the consultation fee, which left me both amused and perplexed.

I want to commit suicide!" The man spoke, making a shocking statement.

Mr. Wang, who has always been very insecure, is actually quite puzzled as to why his wife, who has such good qualities, would be willing to marry him. Moreover, when she married him, she was no longer a virgin. He is a very traditional person, and this aspect is something he is quite concerned about

However, from his words, I discern that it is fundamentally impossible for him to commit suicide. He cares about costs, he cares about reputation, and it is inconceivable that he would not care about his own life. Mr. Wang has merely trapped himself in a dead end of thought, from which he cannot escape

It has been over a month since the opening, yet not a single patient has come in. Fortunately, this business is owned by the family, and the assistant, Xiao Feng, does not require a salary. Otherwise, it would surely lead to significant losses and the closure of the business.