Dylan's story: Caregivers help a mother and son heal during a mental health crisis

As a single mom to three boys, Melissa has patched up her fair share of skinned knees and injured limbs. But when her 15-year-old son, Dylan, started showing signs of suicidal thoughts, she felt unsure of how to heal the way he was hurting.

“Right in that moment, I realized I didn’t know what to do in a mental health crisis,” said Melissa. “You go to the hospital when you break a bone, you go to the hospital when your appendix bursts, where do you go when your mental health is so bad you don’t want to live anymore?”

In her uncertainty, she turned to the caregivers at St. George Regional Hospital in St. George, UT. There, an integrated team of nurses, physicians, security staff, and behavioral health specialists supported Dylan and Melissa as they moved toward better mental health together.

“I felt like I had 100 cheerleaders behind me, helping me do this huge thing I had started alone,” said Melissa. “His depression will always be there and will always be something he has to work through. To look back on it and know he got the help he needed and the extra love and attention — I'm grateful for everyone who was a part of it.”

Melissa was able to get Dylan help by recognizing the warning signs and seeking help from a trusted partner. We encourage you to know the warning signs and what resources are available. Together, we can prevent suicide. 

Know the warning signs  

• By knowing what to look for in ourselves and others, we can prevent suicide.
• Learn the suicide warning signs: increased alcohol and drug use, aggressive behavior, withdrawal from friends, family, and community, dramatic mood swings, impulsive or reckless behavior, giving away possessions, collecting and saving pills, buying a weapon. 

Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Take a moment to connect with yourself and others. Ask yourself how you’re feeling and check in with friends, family members, and colleagues.

Ask questions like, “Have you had thoughts of ending your life?” Asking does not make someone more likely to attempt suicide and may actually save their life.

Help yourself and others 

If you notice warning signs in yourself or others, or someone tells you they have experienced suicidal thoughts, you can help. There are national, local, and Intermountain-specific resources to help address and alleviate the risks of suicide.

If someone is in immediate danger or experience suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.