Recent media coverage of two celebrities who took their own lives can be a problem for people suffering from thoughts about harming themselves.
According to the World Health Organization, research shows that celebrity suicides, in particular, can induce similar outcomes for vulnerable people exposed to heavy media coverage.
Oklahoma Magazine encourages everyone to pay close attention to vulnerable loved ones for signs of suicidal ideation and urges those suffering from thoughts of self-harm to seek help immediately.
Local and national resources are listed below:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-8255 or 800-784-2433, suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Heartline Oklahoma – Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 for immediate assistance, heartlineoklahoma.org
In direct response to these tragic deaths, Mental Health Association Oklahoma is offering three suicide prevention trainings next week. They are free and open to the public:
Tulsa
Monday, June 11 at 12 p.m. at our Legacy Plaza west tower office, 5310 E. 31st Street, Tulsa, Okla., 74135
OKC
Wednesday, June 13 at 12 p.m. at our Walker Avenue office, 400 N. Walker Avenue, suite 190, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73102
Stillwater
Friday, June 15 at 12 p.m. in Oklahoma State University’s Student Union – Floor 4, Exhibit Room 1.
