Train & Purchase a Psychiatric Service Dog

*Disclaimer - this story mentions suicidal ideation, self-harm, and abuse.

On December 19th 2021, Helana was scared and brave. She shared of her suicide plan, and let me know she no longer felt safe at home. The drive to the local hospital where our 17 year old daughter was placed on a psychiatric hold brought the start of a journey of tears, fear, relief, sleepless nights, education, anger, hugs, and finally hope.

In the years prior to her hospitalization, Helana had been diagnosed with profound depression and anxiety. We felt with medication and therapy she would come through a challenging time all the better. Helana had not yet shared about the physical, mental, and verbal abuse inflicted in her first romantic relationship. During this relationship she began to self-harm by cutting. Our once vibrant daughter retreated to her bed and darkness. We struggled to know how to reach her, hoping we were doing enough but often feeling ill-equipped as parents.

Nights ran together as we tried to comfort her through tears that seemingly had no end. There was so much pain in her screams it stopped your heart when you awoke to the cries. I hadn’t felt those nightly starts where you are out of bed before being fully aware or awake since she was a child. It felt like nothing we tried, said, or encouraged brought her back. Two separate times I remember this sensation of fear or knowledge something was just off with a text or comment. A safety plan was developed with her therapist but the fear stayed.

Helana would eventually be transferred three hours away from home to a pediatric psychiatric facility. Each night I would visit for one hour. During the visit I’d learn of her loneliness, pain, and fight to be alive. She met others who were fighting with similar emotions and didn’t feel as alone. It took hospitalization for her to feel seen.

For almost a year, we’ve worked with mental health professionals to learn how we can support, parent, love, and hear her. Helana has worked too. She hasn’t given up. She is more open about the state of her mental health. She has not given up. She continues to heal.

She has always loved big and when she came home she found joy in our family pets more than anything. Our family dealt with a situation surrounding her ex which affected her ability to feel safe, both at home and in public. Instead of retreating she began to research how a psychiatric service dog might help her cope with her anxiety, as well as feel protected in public and private spaces. She came to us armed with stories, facts, and excitement about finding a service dog.

To support her mental health journey, outside simply medicine and therapy, we want to raise funds towards purchasing and training a service dog. We know the amount asked is a lot, and we know the actual training will cost more but starting somewhere is the goal.

Sharing her story might help someone else, so if that is all you can do we appreciate the support!

If you or someone you know is struggling with a crisis or thoughts of suicide call 988 or text HOME to 741741 to connect with someone today. Both offer 24/7 support.

*Helana’s story was shared with her permission.