This case study presented the importance of understanding the patient within a family system & the cultural influences acting on that person. Sylvia, 49, was admitted to a hospital after an overdose of antidepressants. After normal nursing process, in depth questioning revealed situational factors leading to Sylvia’s attempt. This included: her father’s death; her boyfriend’s refusal to join her; anxiety about middleaging. This report shows a system perpetuating concepts of mental problems. EP