Krystn Dawson’s mental health battle after son’s Nirimba crash death

A Queensland mum who lost her 17-year-old son in a horror crash has spoken earnestly about her grief and mental health struggles ahead of the festive season, urging others who might need help to seek it.

Krystn and Peter Dawson at the tribute to their son, Broc Dawson (inset).

The holiday season is a special time of year to be with loved ones.

But for those grieving a cruel loss in their inner circle, it can be a dark mental battle and constant reminder of their absence.

A grief-stricken Sunshine Coast mother said she could not imagine her life ever getting better after losing her 17-year-old son in a horror crash caused by a motorcyclist.

In the early hours of Saturday, September 14, 32-year-old Trent Donovan rode his motorcycle through a red light in Nirimba on the Sunshine Coast.

He collided with the Toyota Corolla of 17-year-old Broc Dawson. They both died at the scene.

Jet Dennien, 16, a passenger in the Corolla, lost one of his eyes and suffered other injuries in the crash.

Broc Dawson.

Three months on, and with Christmas just around the corner, Broc’s mother Krystn Dawson has bravely shared her grief and mental health struggle.

“It’s been tough to say the least,” she said.

“Very difficult. Maybe one day it won’t be but I’m not counting on it.

“Some days are better than others.”

The enrolled nurse is no stranger to suffering. But it got too much.

“I still wake up expecting him to come home,” she said.

“I think about him every day.

“At the start I put on a brave face and was just waiting to break down.

“I didn’t cry a lot and was feeling numb.

“Being a nurse you’ve learnt to compartmentalise things like that. I didn’t want people to see me distressed.

“As a nurse I learnt how to block all of that out.

“But then I did something I regret and ended up in the mental health unit (at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital) for two weeks.

“That was the lowest point of my life and I had to drag myself back.

“I knew I would crash and it was getting worse … but I didn’t know I’d do that.”

Broc Dawson’s mum, Krystn Dawson with husband Peter Dawson, has encouraged those who may struggle with their mental health ahead of the festive season to seek help. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Now, with a team of doctors, psychologists and counsellors behind her Mrs Dawson has returned home.

“I remember telling the doctors I will never be 100 per cent again after Broc was killed and I still stand by that,” she said.

“I’m not sure how Christmas will be.

“As a nurse I normally worked Christmas Day and saw my kids and family Boxing Day.

“It’s going to be odd and sad and just not right without Broc.”

The former self-described workaholic said her life had been thrown completely upside down.

“It’s all about Broc. Every day,” Mrs Dawson said.

“I also have a lot of frustration … before this I worked 100 hours a fortnight and was studying full time to be a registered nurse. I had just six months to go.

“Now I work 30 hours a fortnight and have left my degree.

“I was that close to finishing but from being in the mental health ward I just couldn’t do it.

“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy … you can never prepare for it … your parents will eventually pass away but you never expect to outlive your children.

Broc Dawson, 17, was farewelled in an emotional service in Caloundra on September 26.

“We were so close and did a lot together. I will always have that void where he was … it’s the little things you miss.

“I even miss how he used to leave his shoes in the lounge room and then I’d have a go at him for it.

“Now I leave my shoes there instead … it’s like I’m possessed by him.”

Mr and Mrs Dawson still haven’t touched Broc’s room.

“I just don’t have the heart to go into his room let alone touch his things,” Mrs Dawson said.

“He was cremated and is sitting in an urn now on the top of my bookshelf.

“I’ve taken some ashes out and scattered them at Caloundra Airport where he used to fly.

“His mates and I will scatter some more of them together too.”

Ahead of Christmas Mrs Dawson said she hoped sharing her story would encourage others to seek help.

“Mental health is so important,” she said.

“It’s about reaching out if you need help.

“Which is something I didn’t do until it was too late.

“Please talk to your family and friends.

“Lean on your loved ones. That’s why they’re there.

“Don’t do it alone.”

Originally published as Krystn Dawson’s mental health battle after son’s Nirimba crash death