For a long time, there has been a myth that suicide isn’t something black people do, that taking one’s life is a “white thing.” And certainly, the data bears this out: Even in 2018, the suicide rate for black Americans wasThat’s 60 percent lower than the non-Hispanic white population. But something has changed in recent years, as researchers and the public have noticed a sharp rise in suicide rates among black people, especially among young people, and an increase in high-profile cases of black people, including ex-black people, taking their own lives. Miss USA Chelsea Crist and Regina King’s son Ian Alexander Jr. As attention to the issue grows, Black mental health professionals are reaching out to their communities. Mental Health Awareness Month The end is near, so learn more, know the warning signs, and seek help if necessary.
“For decades there has been a perception in the black community that suicide is not a problem,” Victor Armstrong, Vice president of health equity and engagement at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Part of the challenge is those narratives, but there hasn’t been much promotion of suicide prevention outside of the community, or outreach by suicide awareness organizations to Black communities.”
But that’s now changing, due in large part to a surge in suicides in recent years. From 2019 to 2022, suicide rates among Black Americans increased by about 20%, and rates involving firearms increased by more than 40%, he says. “What’s changing is that there’s more openness to talking about suicide in Black and brown communities. But challenges remain. We can no longer assume that a one-size-fits-all model will work, because many Black people have never had this conversation before.”
Why are suicide rates rising? Armstrong says researchers aren’t entirely sure, but people who are thinking about or attempting suicide face a combination of factors. But there are several factors that contribute to wanting to commit suicide. “The demographic that’s growing the fastest is the young black demographic,” he says. “The pressures and stresses that young black people are facing right now are very different. We’re on the heels of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, so they’re seeing all of that. They’re witnessing the Black Lives Matter backlash, so they’re internalizing a lot of that. With social media, there’s more opportunities for bullying, they see everyone having fun, and they feel like, ‘Everyone’s situation seems better than mine,’ and they don’t always have the emotional maturity to detach themselves. All of these things can impact suicide.”
Black people often It is least likely to occur It’s also important to receive support when you’re experiencing depression, which is why it’s important for loved ones to create a non-judgmental space where people can talk honestly and help them recognize warning signs, Armstrong says. “Look for changes in conversations, moods and behaviors,” he says. “Conversations could be things like, ‘I’m thinking about suicide.’ Always take suicide talk seriously. Similarly, if someone says, ‘I don’t want to be here’ or ‘I’m just tired,’ that’s something to follow up on.”
Increased drug or alcohol use or drastic changes in behavior — going from very outgoing to introverted, or vice versa — could also be signs of concern, he says. A common myth that talking about suicide makes someone want to carry out their plan isn’t true, he says.
“I always encourage people to ask directly,” he says. “Research shows that asking if they’re thinking about suicide doesn’t stop them from doing so. It opens up a line of communication and may encourage the person to talk about how they’re feeling. Don’t try to correct them for their mistakes or their feelings, just say, ‘I’m sorry you’re struggling and I’m here for you.'”
Please refer to American Foundation for Suicide Prevention For more information on risk factors and warning signs, visit this site If you are in crisis and need support, call 988.
