top of page

Suicide

Suicide is not inevitable for anyone. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives.

Anchor 1
Concrete Wall

Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988

​

Crisis Text Line: text HELLO to 741741

​

Oklahomans can call 211 to connect with local resources.

​

Local treatment centers:

Red Rock Behavioral Health Services 

         for crisis services, call (405)987-7625

Griffin Memorial Hospital

​

NIMH » Suicide Prevention (nih.gov)

Facts About Suicide (cdc.gov)

Signs of Risk of Suicide

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.

​

  • Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves

  • Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live

  • Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions

  • Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain

  • Talking about being a burden to others

  • Withdrawing from family and friends

  • Giving away important possessions

  • Saying goodbye to friends and family

  • Putting affairs in order, such as making a will

  • Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast

  • Talking or thinking about death often

  • Displaying extreme mood swings

  • Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun

  • Talking about feeling great guilt or shame

  • Using alcohol or drugs more often

  • Acting anxious or agitated

  • Changing eating or sleeping habits

  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

​

Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and should not be ignored. If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently.

Anchor 2
Rolle Pass

SUICIDE PREVENTION

 

Suicide is the 10th highest cause of death in the united States. In 2019, 12 million adults seriously considered suicide and 1.4 million attempted suicide in the U.S. alone. Oklahoma has the 13th-highest suicide rate in the country. While suicidal thoughts are not rare, it is not a normal response to stress. We believe that all human life is valuable, and the toll of suicide is great. 

​

If you think someone you know may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, the National Institute of Mental Health outlines 5 action steps for helping someone in emotional pain:

  1. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts. It is better to communicate openly.

  2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

  3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

  4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number (call or text 988) and the Crisis Text Line’s number (741741) in your phone, so it’s there when you need it. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional. 

  5. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

​

Anchor 3

Treatment and Therapies

Effective, evidence-based interventions are available to help people who are at risk for suicide. 
In a crises:
- Admission to an in-patient care facility or hospital can be a first response in a severe crises and the first step in recovery.

Preventative Care:
- Before a crises, working with a primary care provider to create a safety plan can keep you safe and connect you with resources until you feel better

- Psychotherapies (counseling) such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy can help reduce suicide risk and help patients cope with trauma.

- Medication from a psychiatrist or health care provider can really benefit at-risk individuals.

Find out more here. 

Sky

Note: If you or a friend are suffering, you do not have to bear this alone. Although it's critical to help friends in need, it is not your sole responsibility to keep them safe. Please contact appropriate resources and tell other people you trust who can help you connect with those equipped to handle crises. 

bottom of page