Hope and Healing: Tackling Suicide and Mental Health Stigma in Oklahoma
Posted by Improving Lives Counseling Services, Inc. | Mental Health
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. From Sunday, September 8, 2024, to Saturday, September 14, 2024, we observe National Suicide Prevention Week, and September 10, 2024, is Suicide Prevention Day. These observances highlight the growing urgency of addressing suicide, which has been increasing in the United States since 2001. In Oklahoma, suicide ranks as the ninth leading cause of death among adults, and the third leading cause of deaths among teenagers 15-19 years of age.
In 2022, suicide rates in Oklahoma reached a peak, and the state was reported as one of the four least healthy in the country. Of those who died, 42% had a history of mental illness, 38% had been victims of domestic violence, 87% were diagnosed with alcoholism, and 32% were addicted to drugs. Statistics reveal that while 45% had seen a primary care physician within 30 days of their death, fewer than 1% had consulted a mental health specialist. The Improving Lives Counseling Services team of licensed, professional counselors and therapists treat mental illness, domestic violence, alcoholism, and drug abuse. How many lives might have been saved with more comprehensive mental health support?
WHY SUICIDE
It is impossible to know the exact reason people commit suicide; those close to them, spouses, family, co-workers, and friends, reflect on signs they might have missed – things said, things written, actions taken or not taken, changes in behavior, shifts in mood and personality. Chronic illness, chronic pain, declining mental agility, isolation, loneliness, behavior disorders, child abuse, schizophrenia, gender dysphoria, depression, homelessness, discrimination, failure, and poverty when unaddressed, can increase the risk of suicide.
Statistics report 80% of suicides are committed by men, ages 45-50, with higher rates in rural areas. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center suggests: “Homes in rural areas are often more spread out and access to health and behavioral health care providers and emergency medical facilities may be more limited. Access to lethal means, particularly firearms, may also be greater.”
Veterans
According to the National Veterans Suicide Prevention Report, one third of veterans live in rural areas, and more than 17 veterans take their own lives each day. They report PTSD and service injuries are primary causes of mental health illness in veterans – resulting in alcoholism, homelessness, behavioral disorders, and drug abuse – which, for many, lead to suicide. Younger veterans report giving up on life, having seen too much hate, guilt for actions taken on active duty, and an inability to assimilate back into civilian life as risk factors for suicidality.
STIGMA
People in small towns and rural areas sense more stigma around mental health than in urban areas. Culture, dogma, conspiracies, gossip, and labeling prevent people in these communities from seeking the mental health care they need. Unfair beliefs, a culture of self-reliance, and with only one or two therapists in the area, the fear of people finding out contributes to the stigma. “According to the Results from the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables, approximately 7.7 million or 22% of rural adults reported having a mental illness in 2023. In addition, 1.6 million, or 4.8%, of adults in rural areas reported having serious thoughts of suicide during the year.”
Public Stigma – Discrimination
Public stigma around mental health often involves fears such as the disclosure of personal mental health records, potential employment discrimination related to mental health medications, anxiety about being labeled within social circles, and being stereotyped as dangerous by family, co-workers, neighbors, and friends. For children, adolescents, and teens, stigma can manifest as concerns about bullying, harassment, isolation, medication side effects, negative reactions from teachers, and physical violence.
Self Stigma
Self-stigma is the negative beliefs and attitudes individuals have about themselves. They perceive themselves as weak or incapable of managing their symptoms, thinking thoughts like, “This isn’t happening to me,” “I’m better than this,” “I just need to pick myself up,” “I just need to get away,” or “If I distract myself, it will go away.” Increasing self-awareness, educating themselves, challenging negative beliefs, changes in emotional reasoning, and mood changes can help reduce self-stigma.
Structural Stigma
Structural stigma includes public schools refusing children diagnosed with a mental illness, lack of available / affordable mental health care, denied / lack of housing for the mentally ill, and discrimination by legal authorities. The local, city, state, and federal government must make systemic changes to reduce the consequences of structural stigma.
SUICIDE IN TEENS
As of the latest data available, the suicide rate among teenagers in Oklahoma is notably higher compared to the national average. Bullying, spreading rumors, body image, monetary standing, social class, family dynamics, isolation, refused access to social circles, and social media posts contribute to teen suicides. Risks are high in LGBTQ teens because of gender identity, and sexual orientation. Oklahoma’s recent laws affecting this community places them at a higher risk of being stigmatized, leading to a higher risk of suicide. “Nuria Martinez-Keel reported that in Oklahoma 1 in 5 nonbinary and transgender people age 13-24 attempted suicide in the past year. That’s almost double the rate of cisgender youth, according to a 2023 national youth survey by the Trevor Project.” Suicide ranked second nationally as the leading cause of death among those aged 10-17. However, it was the leading cause of death for this age range in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma House Bill 4106 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.
ATTEMPTING SUICIDE – PHYSICAL EFFECTS
The physical effects of attempting suicide can be life-threatening – even if the act is abated. Self-inflicted injuries can lead to severe blood loss, sepsis, septic shock, infections, and permanent scarring. Overdosing and substance abuse can affect the liver, kidneys, intestines, heart, and lungs. Hanging can cause brain damage, falls or jumping can result in internal injuries and fractured bones; gunshots can cause severe injury to internal organs, and drowning can cause brain injury and respiratory distress. Each of these can lead to permanent brain damage and coma.
SUMMARY
Suicidality is defined as thoughts, plans, and behaviors related to suicide. It includes someone thinking they would be better off dead (ideation), planning when, where, and how they will commit the act (plan), and physical self-damage (attempt). Federally, suicide is no longer a crime in the United States – in 2024, Virginia finally abolished suicide as a common-law crime. Attempted suicide, however, remains a criminal statue in some states and some states list attempted suicide as a misdemeanor.
Men die by suicide more often than women, and white males account for more than 65% to 78% of all suicides. Statics show 1.6 million people attempted suicide in 2022, and just over 800,000 people commit suicide every year. People are sharing their stories, governments are implementing programs, and politicians, celebrities, and athletes are speaking out on the importance of mental health care, yet people are still dying.
Ninety-four percent of people believe suicide can be avoided. Improving Lives Counseling Services agrees. Each of the causes or reasons for suicide outlined above are treatable mental illnesses and /or disorders – yet the stigma remains. Our diverse team of professional, licensed counselors and therapists work to prevent suicide through treatment plans, optimal to each client’s specific needs. Suicide intervention is a direct effort to prevent a person from attempting to take their own life; “when you see or hear something, do something.” Call us to learn more.
