Her dad seemed full of life. Now she shares his story to help others heal

NORTH OGDEN — When Lynsey Mahoskey thinks of her dad, Mike, she remembers laughter, friendship, and fun. "Anyone who knows him knows that he was the life of the party," she said. "He could make friends with anyone, and he was such a fun grandpa." But even those who seem full of life can be suffering in silence. Mike had long battled bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Some days were better than others, Mahoskey said. In 2022, he died by suicide — a loss that left her and her family grappling with grief and questions that may never be answered. "He was struggling, he was in pain, he was hurting, and he didn't know of any other solution," Mahoskey said. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, suicide remains a leading cause of death in Utah. In 2024, 656 Utahns died by suicide. "We want zero Utahns to die by suicide every year. That's the only acceptable goal," said Michael Staley, suicide prevention research coordinator at Utah's Office of the Medical Examiner. "It's okay to ask for help when things aren't going well." Staley said suicide prevention happens through community with conversations, connections, and support. "I think it's really important in all of these contexts to say, 'Are you thinking about suicide? Are you thinking about ending your life?'" he said. Staley stressed that asking directly does not put the idea into someone's mind — but instead shows care and concern. "You're not planting the seeds of suicide when you ask people that question," he said. "Don't be afraid of it. And it's a hard question to ask." Mahoskey hopes by sharing her father's story, she can encourage others to reach out before it's too late. She knows the struggle firsthand — as a teenager, she survived a suicide attempt herself — and has dealt with postpartum depression. She found healing slowly — through therapy, medication, self-care, and the support of loved ones. "You are loved, and there are people who need you," she said. "This chapter may be tough, but the next chapter might be your redemption story. Don't be afraid to open up -- whether you are the one grieving from loss or on the other side." Rep. Steve Eliason shares the impact of 988 in Utah and what leaders are doing to increase awareness of mental health resources:

Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

Counties in Utah provide services for mental health and substance use disorders. Centers are run by the thirteen Local Mental Health and Substance Use Authorities all across the state and offer therapy, substance use disorder treatment, support groups, mobile services, youth treatment, and more. These resources and more information can be found here: https://www.uacnet.org/behavioralhealth.

Other community-based resources

• NAMI Utah provides education, support and advocacy for individuals and families impacted by mental illness.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention offers prevention programs, public education, support for loss survivors, and fundraising for research.
• Encircle Utah: LGBTQ+ family and youth resource center.
• Utah Pride Center empowers Utah’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.
• The Trevor Project: LGBTQ teen resource center.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health
• Latino Behavioral Health Services

Center for Workplace Mental Health offers suicide prevention and response for employers. More recent news: Family asks for support and forgiveness after toddler killed in Layton accident

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