September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on mental health and remind ourselves that it's okay to talk about the tough stuff. These conversations can feel heavy, especially when it comes to challenges faced by Black people. So let's approach this with a bit of lightness while still recognizing the importance of addressing these real issues.
In this blog post, I will go over some key facts about suicide and mental health in the black community and ways you can seek help for yourself and others. Although I cannot hug you through this screen you're reading this on, I want this blog post to serve as a warm hug from me to you. You are so much more than your struggles and I believe that you can get through anything, but you never have to do it alone.
Suicide in the Black Community: Understanding the Challenges
The mental health stigma can be strong among Black people. We've been conditioned to prioritize strength and resilience, often at the expense of our well-being. It’s okay to admit that you’re not superwoman and sometimes need help too.
Historically, suicide rates among Black Americans have been lower than those of other racial groups. However, suicide rates among Black youth and young women have been rising significantly in recent years. For Black youth aged 10 to 24, there was a nearly 40% increase in suicide rates from 2018 to 2021. Despite these alarming numbers, suicide remains a deeply misunderstood issue within the community.
Several factors contribute to this increase:
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Black youth often face more challenging experiences during childhood, which can increase the risk of suicide.
Racial Discrimination: Experiencing racial discrimination, sometimes as early as age 6, can lead to higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in Black youth.
Barriers to Mental Health Care: Black adolescents are less likely to receive the mental health care they need due to systemic issues, stigma, and a lack of trust in the healthcare system.
This trend is not limited to Black youth. Among young women aged 15 to 24, the suicide rate has nearly doubled over the past two decades, highlighting a broader mental health crisis affecting young people. These statistics emphasize the urgent need for targeted support, culturally sensitive mental health care, and efforts to overcome systemic barriers to help young people, especially Black youth, and reduce suicide rates in these communities.
Talking About Suicide Won’t Make Someone Do It
One of the most common and dangerous myths about suicide is the idea that talking about it will put the idea in someone’s head. This is not true. Discussing suicide openly can reduce the risk by making someone feel seen, heard, and supported.
When we ask someone if they’re thinking about dying by suicide, we’re permitting them to talk about feelings they might otherwise keep hidden. This conversation can be the first step in helping them find support. Silence can be deadly, but honest, compassionate dialogue can be life-saving.
Sometimes There Are No Signs
One of the most challenging aspects of suicide is that sometimes there are no clear warning signs. While some individuals may exhibit changes in behavior, mood swings, or openly talk about their desire to die, others might not show any obvious signs at all.
In the Black community, cultural factors can further complicate the recognition of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. For example, someone might be dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts but hide behind a strong exterior due to expectations of resilience. This is why it’s important to move beyond stereotypes and assumptions about how someone “should” behave if they’re struggling and to create safe spaces where people can share their feelings without fear of judgment.
If you suspect that someone you care about is struggling with suicidal thoughts, here are some steps you can take to help:
Taking Action: What You Can Do (Without Taking On the World)
Talk About It: It’s okay to ask directly if someone is thinking about dying by suicide. You won’t “put the idea in their head.” Instead, you’re permitting them to talk about something they might have been too afraid or ashamed to bring up.
Be There, But Set Boundaries: If someone’s going through it, show up for them. But remember, it’s okay to protect your mental health too. You don’t have to be their therapist.
Listen Without Judgment: If someone opens up to you about their struggles, listen with empathy and without judgment. Avoid offering quick fixes or dismissing their feelings. Sometimes, simply being heard can make a world of difference.
Point Them in the Right Direction: You’re not expected to have all the answers. Share the resources mentioned below and encourage them to seek professional help.
Know the Resources—But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself: Familiarize yourself with local and national mental health resources. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) are available 24/7. For those seeking culturally competent care, directories like Therapy for Black Girls or the National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network can be invaluable.
Helpful Resources for the Black Community
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that help is available. You are not alone, and your life is worth fighting for. Below are several organizations and resources dedicated to supporting the mental health of Black individuals.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support 24/7 for people in distress, along with prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
Phone: 1-800-273-8255
Website: Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Loveland Foundation
The Loveland Foundation offers financial assistance to Black women and girls seeking therapy. Their Therapy Fund provides access to mental health professionals across the country who understand the unique experiences of Black individuals.
Website: The Loveland Foundation
Therapy for Black Girls
Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. They offer a directory of Black therapists, articles, podcasts, and other resources to support mental health.
Website: Therapy for Black Girls
The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation
Founded by Taraji P. Henson, this foundation provides support for mental health in the Black community through scholarships to Black students studying mental health, free therapy programs, and public awareness campaigns.
Website: BLHF
We Must Start Talking About It
Most of us may know that taking care of our mental health is important, but sometimes we carry the weight of others’ feelings and mental well-being on our shoulders. It's important to remember that while we can be there for each other, we can't fix everything for everyone—and that's okay!
Your mental health matters too. I hope you learned a few things in this blog post. I encourage you to share this post with your friends and family. You never know who may need it.
Statistic Sources:
“Products - Data Briefs - Number 433 - March 2022.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3 Mar. 2022, www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db433.htm.
Sheftall, Arielle H., et al. “The Tragedy of Black Youth Suicide.” AAMC, 11 Apr. 2023, www.aamc.org/news/tragedy-black-youth-suicide.
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