Utah sees fewer suicides during pandemic, but calls to crisis hotline increase

SALT LAKE CITY — National Suicide Prevention Week is shining a light on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mental health.

Utah is defying national trends — we’ve seen fewer suicides during the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean we’re out of danger. One family is helping save lives after loss.

After unbearable heartbreak, Kim Naylor and her daughter, Mary Naylor, have become closer.

Her son, Jack, was, “A great younger brother to Mary, and a great son.”

He died from suicide in 2017.

“He was smart, and funny and good-looking, and had tons of friends,” said Naylor. “I didn’t understand how dark it could be for someone.”

Jack wasn’t alone in his struggle.

One in every six adults will experience depression in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That number is much higher during COVID-19, as per a recent report by the CDC.

More than two in five adults nationally report at least one “adverse mental or behavioral health condition.” More than one in four young adults said they have seriously considered suicide in the last 30 days.

“People are hurting in a number of different ways,” said Michael Staley, suicide research coordinator with the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner.

Fortunately, we’re faring better in Utah.

“We came into the COVID-19 crisis with tremendous infrastructure,” Staley said.

According to a national report provided by the Utah Department of Health, one in four Utahns has symptoms of depression, but the suicide rate hasn’t increased.

“You can call a crisis line here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and someone’s going to answer and it’s going to be a trained professional,” Staley said.

The number and severity of calls to the Utah Crisis Line have increased, as stated by UDOH. During May, there was a 1.6% increase in call volume compared to May 2019, with “more people presenting with more severe distress.”

Experts believe that shows more people are getting help.

Connection is the key to preventing suicide.

“If I have five – 10 extra minutes, it’s worth calling the people that I know and love to stay connected,” Staley said.

Naylor still makes Jack’s friends chocolate chip waffles, his favorite.

“They call me mom, which I love,” she said. “These boys have been with Jack since the second grade.”

She has become an advocate for suicide prevention.

“I want to honor Jack. I can no longer help Jack, but I can help others,” Naylor said. “The person you think that’s got it all together, reach out to them, too.”

She’s spreading awareness, and she’s finding solace after losing her son.

“I feel like that is my purpose. To help someone else not have to feel like I do every day, for the rest of my life,” Naylor said.

Asking someone if they’re feeling suicidal doesn’t increase their chances of self-harm; it can save their life.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Utah Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, or the Emotional Health Relief Hotline 1-833-442-2211.

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