Help & Hope Available Through the Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The tragedy that occurred Sept. 26 in Stillwater, Okla., as well as other recent suicides on our community, are cause to remind the public that help exists for those in crisis.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is available 24 hours a day. The service is free and confidential. Highly trained call specialists provide compassionate listening, crisis intervention, and information and referral for mental health services. According to Rachel Yates, Director of Suicide Prevention & Outreach Programs at HeartLine, “The Lifeline is available for anyone who has been impacted by suicide. This includes those struggling with thoughts of suicide, those who have lost loved ones, and anyone impacted by today’s tragedy. Help and hope are only a phone call away.”


Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for ages 10-24 in our state, and Oklahoma ranks 12th highest in the nation for deaths caused by suicide. Common warning signs of suicide include giving away prized possessions, increased substance abuse, isolation and withdrawal, feelings or statements of hopelessness, talking or joking about death, self-harm and previous suicide attempts. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).


HeartLine connects Oklahomans to help, hope, and information- 24 hours a day through 2-1-1 information and referral, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), the Oklahoma Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-522-4700, the Parents Careline 848-CARE (2273), and the youth suicide prevention initiative Healthy Education for Life Program (HELP). To find out more about HeartLine, call the HeartLine business office at 405-840-9396 or visit the website at www.heartlineoklahoma.org.


HeartLine encourage responsible media reporting of suicides. All reports of suicide should include the number for the Lifeline. Media web sites should disable the comments section of all online articles about suicide. Responsible reporting can help reduce future suicides in our community.