Editor’s Note: September is National Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month and therefore we will be covering a critical and often overlooked issue: the alarming rate of suicides in rural Oklahoma. In this four-part series, we will delve into the unique challenges faced by our communities, where isolation, limited resources, and stigma can create formidable barriers to mental health support. Through in-depth reporting and personal stories, we aim to shed light on the underlying causes and highlight efforts being made to address this crisis. Our goal is to spark conversation, inspire action, and offer hope to those in need.

NATALIE GABBARD COURTESY

In recent years, the suicide rate in youth suicide has cast a growing shadow over communities across the United States, including here in Oklahoma. The tragic increase in suicide rates among young people has become a critical issue, prompting a nationwide and statewide push for more effective mental health interventions and support systems.

But are we getting it? Are we “talking about it?”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide presents a critical public health challenge and claims over 700,000 lives globally each year. The impact of each suicide extends far beyond the individual, profoundly affecting families, communities, and societies as a whole. For the 2024-2026 period, World Suicide Prevention Day has adopted the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” with the central call to action being “Start the Conversation.”

This initiative seeks to highlight the significance of reducing stigma and fostering open dialogue to prevent suicides. The aim is to transform the way we understand and address this complex issue, shifting from a culture marked by silence and stigma to one characterized by openness, empathy, and support. The call to action invites everyone to engage in discussions about suicide and its prevention.

Every conversation, regardless of its scale, contributes to building a more supportive and aware society. By initiating and participating in these crucial conversations, we can dismantle barriers, enhance understanding, and cultivate a culture that prioritizes mental health and support.

Between 1975 and 2015, approximately 100,000 teenagers aged 15 to 19 died by suicide, according to the most recent study data.

Boys are significantly more likely to die by suicide than girls, with rates being 3 to 4 times higher. For teen boys, suicide rates increased significantly during the late 1980s and early 1990s, but then decreased in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

This decline may be linked to pediatricians increasingly addressing depression. Unfortunately, since 2006, the rate for boys has been on the rise again.

Teen girls have experienced a similar, though less pronounced, trend. Their suicide rates have also been increasing over the past 10 to 12 years. Suicide typically arises from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. It often results when various stressors and health issues come together, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Depression, which is frequently linked to suicide, is a common condition that often goes undiagnosed or untreated. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse can significantly heighten the risk of suicide, particularly when they are not addressed. However, it’s crucial to recognize that many individuals who actively manage their mental health conditions continue to lead fulfilling lives, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, national statistics show a troubling trend. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is now the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24 in the United States.

The most recent data indicates that the suicide rate among American youth has spiked by nearly 40% over the past two decades. Aside from COVID-19, this increase can be attributed to social media’s pressure to “appear” happy when in fact, that is not always the case.

It’s not that “we” don’t want to be our “authentic” selves or that we want to lie and say we are okay, when we truly are not “okay.” There can be an irrefutable need or desire to parade our “picture perfect” lives because our overwhelming human desire/drive to compare ourselves to others, instead of admitting that our life “might” be less than perfect which can lead us to feel hopeless and helpless or exacerbate symptoms of someone’s depression or anxiety.

Experts emphasize that the pandemic has increased these struggles and issues. The isolation and disruptions caused by COVID-19 have heightened mental health challenges among everyone, but especially young people.

Schools, which often serve as a key support system, were disrupted or closed, further impacting students’ mental wellbeing.

Oklahoma is not immune to this crisis. Recent data from the Oklahoma State Department of Health highlights a significant increase in suicide rates among youth in the state. In the past five years, Oklahoma has seen a nearly 30 percent rise in suicides among adolescents and young adults.

Rural areas are facing severe challenges due to limited access to mental health resources. In response to these challenges, both national and local initiatives are underway to address youth mental health and prevent suicides.

The U.S. government has increased funding for mental health services, aiming to improve access and quality of care for young people. Programs focused on mental health education, crisis intervention, and support for families are gaining momentum.

Addressing the youth suicide crisis requires a multifaceted approach, combining better mental health education, increased resources, and a supportive community environment. It is crucial for parents, educators, and policymakers to work together to create a safety net for young people, ensuring that mental health support is both accessible and effective.

As we confront this devastating issue, it is essential to remember that help is available and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not a weakness. National hotlines, local counseling services, and school programs all play a role in providing the necessary support to those in need.

The rising rates of youth suicide are OUR call for/to action. If we, within our community, communicate about prioritizing mental health, we can foster a safer and more supportive environment for our youth.

For immediate help, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800273-TALK (8255). In Oklahoma, local resources can be accessed through the Oklahoma Crisis Line at 1-800-5229054.

Inspire Counseling & Psychological Services at 114 S 7th Street Durant, Ok 74701. 580-924-4779, offers a wide variety of services for youths and adults and is one local community resource.

Natalie Gabbard is a licensed professional counselor in Atoka, Oklahoma. She is passionate about advocating to reduce the stigma associated with both mental health and substance use disorders. She likes utilizing creative art therapy interventions and loves to empower clients to cultivate self-love and advocate for themselves. She is empathetic and compassionate, and believes knowledge is power.