Erica represented a paradigm case (Benner, 1994) in relation to the transformative nature of a suicide attempt :
I know if wouldn't have done those I wouldn't be where I am today with all three counselors and having the help I have. Interviewer : say that again, if you wouldn't have attempted those two times. Erica : Yeah. Interviewer : You wouldn't be where you are? Erica : Yeah . Cause nobody would believe me. Cause I've went to the doctor multiple times saying I'm suicidal and depressed, and they tried to put me on pills. And they didn't do anything for me so I stopped taking them and then a few years later just tried to kill myself. I know each time that I've tried to kill myself it's brought me one step further to where I need to be (l.334-345)
Erica would not have received the treatment she needed if she had not expressed herself through her suicide attempts.