Combating Youth Suicide in Oklahoma: A Call to Action for All

Dr. Tamecca Rogers,
Unhappy Teenager With Face In Hands Sitting On a Bench, for article on youth suicide in Oklahoma

During my first year of teaching, I had a student who always arrived to class on time with a huge smile. She was a joy. She always had a joke or a fun fact to share. Toward the end of the semester, she began to miss several classes, and when she did make it to class, she was late, without her usual uplifting personality. After class, I pulled her aside and asked her if she was OK. She responded, “Ms. Rogers, I don’t want to be here anymore.” I probed a little more and realized that she was thinking about taking her own life. This conversation occurred over 20 years ago, and I still remember it like yesterday.

Although the conversation with my student happened years ago, Oklahoma is currently facing a crisis that demands our immediate attention and collective action. According to the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, our state ranks seventh in suicides across the United States. In Oklahoma, suicide stands as the second most prevalent cause of death among individuals ages 10-25, accompanied by a significant 50% surge in suicide attempts among girls ages 12 to 17. This is a call to action for parents, caregivers, educators and lawmakers to join forces in preventing the tragic loss of young lives.

Alarming Statistics

The gravity of the situation becomes even more apparent when we delve into the statistics. In 2019, suicides became the leading cause of death among individuals ages 10-17 in Oklahoma, surpassing the national average. Implementing Oklahoma House Bill 4106 is a step in the right direction. It outlines school protocols to identify and address students in mental health crises. It connects schools with local resources and intervention services, fostering a proactive approach to suicide prevention.

The intent behind this law is to ensure that every school in Oklahoma adopts an evidence-based protocol to address students facing mental health and suicidal crises. The overarching aim of the schools’ suicide prevention and intervention initiatives is to create a safe and supportive learning environment for students. Consequently, this legislation fosters collaboration between schools and mental health agencies to prioritize student safety, formulate effective protocols and consistently inform parents and guardians when a student is in crisis.

Understanding the Reasons

To effectively combat youth suicide, it’s crucial to understand the factors contributing to this alarming trend. In younger children, suicide attempts frequently occur impulsively and are linked to feelings of sadness, confusion and attention-related issues. Factors that increase the risk involve a history of suicide attempts within the family, exposure to violence, impulsivity, access to firearms, bullying and feelings of hopelessness.

Although online platforms such as social media and gaming offer valuable opportunities for children to discover their identities and build communities, there can be harmful consequences if these spaces are not adequately monitored. Cyberbullying, for instance, has been linked to numerous attempted suicides among our youth. Additionally, social media platforms may contribute to adverse effects on mental health, elevating the risk of self-harm and suicide. The prevalence of influencer culture, coupled with an emphasis on appearance and sexuality, can contribute to challenges like body image issues, diminished self-esteem and a distorted perception of self-worth.

Steps for Prevention

Preventing youth suicide necessitates proactive steps and open communication. Parents, caregivers and educators play pivotal roles in preventing youth suicide. Open communication is vital, and uncomfortable as it may be, discussing depression and suicidal thoughts with children is essential. Asking direct questions such as, “Are you feeling sad or depressed?” and “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” can assure children that someone cares.

Regular check-ins become even more critical, particularly for those in high-risk groups, including females, LGBTQ+, or Black and Hispanic youth. Sharing personal experiences, especially moments of navigating challenging emotions and the coping mechanisms that proved effective, can create a supportive environment.

It’s crucial to ensure that young people have access to safe spaces where they can engage with mental health professionals. Equally important is early education on coping skills, providing our children with tools to manage thoughts and emotions effectively. Additionally, removing access to potentially harmful items like medicines, chemicals and guns is a vital precautionary measure. By implementing these strategies, we contribute to building a resilient and supportive foundation for the mental well-being of our young generation.

Call to Action

We must all take responsibility for fostering an environment where mental health is prioritized. Research indicates that taking practical actions such as offering support services, discussing suicide openly, limiting access to self-harm means and following up with loved ones are reasonable actions. The Prevention Division at the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services offers extensive suicide prevention training and resources to help create comprehensive strategies for reducing suicides in our state.

Let us unite as parents, caregivers, educators and lawmakers to break the silence surrounding youth suicide. We can work together to ensure a brighter and safer future for Oklahoma’s youth by implementing preventive measures, fostering open conversations and utilizing available resources.

Resources and Support

Several organizations in Oklahoma offer crucial resources and support:

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.

TameccarogersbiopicDr. Tamecca Rogers is Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Tulsa Technology Center. She is a writer and mom to three boys who love adventures.

Jan 2024 Youth Suicide In Oklahoma Pin

Categories: Health, mental health

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