By Diane Cooke and Melanie Yost
In the early hours of December 23, 2018, Diane Cooke’s life was forever changed by a heartbreaking phone call. Her 20-year-old son, Drew, had taken his own life. As a mother, Diane was devastated and confused. She had known that Drew was struggling emotionally in the months leading up to his death, but she had believed that this difficult period was just a passing chapter in his life. Drew was under the care of a counselor and a psychiatrist, and Diane felt confident that, with the support of professionals, medication and the love of their family, he would be able to navigate through the storm. Tragically, this was not the case. Now, Diane is sharing her story in the hope of saving others.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org), 49,476 Americans died by suicide in 2022, making it the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. An estimated 1.6 million people attempted suicide that year. Reflecting on Drew’s experiences, Diane suspects that the actual number might be even higher. During the last five years of his life, Drew had several incidents that, in hindsight, appear to have been suicide attempts, although they were not recognized as such at the time.
What Diane Has Learned About Suicide:
Not Everyone Talks About Their Struggles: In the days before his death, Drew did not speak about ending his life. On the contrary, he spent time with his mother, helping her bake cookies just the day before. While Diane was aware that Drew was dealing with the challenges many young adults face—such as the end of a serious relationship and hurtful rumors—she did not realize these issues felt life and death for him. She wishes she had asked him directly about his feelings. Though she can’t be certain he would have opened up, the conversation might have provided an opportunity to offer him life saving support. It’s a common fear that asking someone if they are having suicidal thoughts might introduce the idea, but this fear is unfounded. If a loved one seems to be struggling, asking if they feel safe can be crucial, especially if they have had past incidents like single-car accidents, overdoses or risky behavior.
Take Every Statement Seriously: When someone expresses thoughts of suicide, it’s vital to take them seriously. Sometimes, these expressions are mistaken for attention-seeking behavior, but suicidal thoughts often manifest as casual comments like, “It would be easier for everyone if I were gone,” “I don’t know if I can do this anymore,” or “If I died tomorrow, life would go on.” Drew was a vibrant and joyful young man who loved to make others laugh. He had many friends and was known for his kindness and sense of humor. However, he also struggled with significant mental health issues that affected his mood, perceptions, impulsivity and judgment. If a loved one makes comments that hint at giving up or dying, it’s important to ask questions, listen carefully and help them access resources that can keep them safe.
Explore All Treatment Options: Diane believed that the love and support Drew received would be enough to carry him through his difficult time. Since his passing, she has learned much more about mental health and the various ways it can be treated. There are now many innovative treatments available that are highly effective for those struggling with mood disorders that don’t respond well to traditional therapies. To help others, Diane partnered with her childhood friend, Melanie Yost, to open Be Well Solutions and Complete Ketamine Solutions in Destin. Their mission is to provide affordable and effective brain health therapies, such as Ketamine Infusion Therapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, to help people heal and reclaim their lives. Diane hopes that by offering these treatments, others won’t have to suffer as Drew did.
If you or a loved one are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988. If current treatments aren’t providing the help needed, consider a free consultation with Be Well Solutions to see if their services might be the right fit.
These treatments have brought hope and healing to Diane in her darkest moments, and she firmly believes that if Drew had access to these therapies alongside his counseling, he might still be here today. Diane and Melanie have witnessed many clients begin to truly live again, and they are dedicated to helping others find the same hope and healing.
