Step Up 4 Hope During Suicide Prevention Month

With one person dying by suicide every 9.9 hours in Oklahoma, the need for community action has never been greater. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) is calling on Oklahomans to Step Up 4 Hope this September during Suicide Prevention Month, a campaign designed to raise awareness, provide lifesaving tools and foster hope across the state.

As part of Suicide Prevention Month, ODMHSAS and participating community members are expanding access to mental health resources and events. A full list can be found here. 

• Sept. 8 — 988 Day: Gov. Kevin Stitt has proclaimed Sept. 8 as 988 Day. At 9:28 a.m., Oklahomans are encouraged to observe a moment of silence to remember those who have died by suicide.
• Sept. 10 — Wear Teal for Hope Day: Oklahomans are encouraged to show support by wearing purple or teal. 
• Sept. 10 — National Suicide Prevention Day: The Skydance Bridge in Oklahoma City will glow teal and purple.
• Out of the Darkness Walks: Walks are scheduled in Oklahoma City, Atoka, Eufaula, Kingfisher County and Tulsa.
• Talk Saves Lives training: Free virtual sessions on suicide risk factors, warning signs and how to help keep yourself and others safe. To sign up for a training, select a date on the calendar that works for you.

“You probably saved a life while you were here,” said a participant in ODMHSAS’s Talk Saves Lives training. “ Because of this training, we now know what to do. It was timely, to say the least. Thank you is not enough, but it’s all I have.” 

The Step Up 4 Hope campaign also invites Oklahomans to take simple, meaningful actions, such as creating a wall of hope with uplifting messages, sharing resources like the 988 Mental Health Lifeline, wearing teal and purple on Sept. 10, posting on social media with #StepUp4Hope or focusing on self-care.

Recognizing warning signs and providing help 

Warning signs of suicide include talking about wanting to die, increased alcohol or drug use, withdrawing from others, mood swings and feelings of hopelessness. Anyone in crisis should call or text 988 to contact a trained professional at the free, 24/7 Mental Health Lifeline.