In this article, a suicidal woman diagnosed as catatonic schizophrenic told her story in a state mental hospital as part of a wider study of young suicide attempters’ unmet needs. Her account revealed much about her life history, suicide career, problems of living, needs for help, & perceptions of relevant systems. An expectation of not getting well reinforced helplessness & hopelessness. A patient’s perceptions of needs & priorities can help systems plan & deliver appropriate services.