Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts – no matter age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, or cultural background – yet some populations are more at risk than others. The Black community is particularly at a higher risk, and the suicide rate has continued to increase when the rate for other populations has declined or remained the same. According to the Ohio Department of Health, from 2019 to 2020, the suicide rate for Black males increased by 8%, and for females, 14%. Understanding the unique factors that contribute to suicide in the Black community is the first step to learning how to address it.
Sound The Alarm
The scars we don’t see are the ones that prevent people from who they were destined to be. Those that suffer from mental illness yearn to take control of life but at times yield to overwhelming strife and feel as though they are left to battle demons alone. The cultural ideology surrounding those that suffer from mental health issues is perpetuated by implying mental health is synonymous to being labeled as “crazy” or “weak”. IT’S TIME TO SOUND THE ALARM and change the way in which Black communities view mental illness by normalizing getting treatment. Hug someone you know is having a difficult time and tell them “Life is Better with YOU HERE“
- Prior suicide attempt(s)
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Mood and anxiety disorders
- Access to lethal means
- Divorce/Death of Spouse
- Family Conflict
- Acculturation (assimilation in white society)
- Hopelessness
- Racism and Discrimination
- Lack of access to mental health resources
- Stigma inside community
- Effective mental health care
- Connectedness to individuals, family, community, and social institutions
- Problem-solving skills
- Religion
- Strong Black identity and connection to heritage and history
Crisis Call Lines
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Additional Resources
Strong positive ethnic identity
Today, as children around the world are growing up in a deadly pandemic, we are supporting frontline health workers and providing education and hygiene supplies to help
Support from family members
Support from family members
Strong positive ethnic identity
Today, as children around the world are growing up in a deadly pandemic, we are supporting frontline health workers and providing education and hygiene supplies to help
Community engagement
Community engagement
Reducing the stigma
Reducing the stigma
Access to culturally appropriate care
Access to culturally appropriate care
Self-care/Self-Love
Self-care/Self-Love
Addressing Mental health issues
Addressing Mental health issues
Strong positive ethnic identity
Today, as children around the world are growing up in a deadly pandemic, we are supporting frontline health workers and providing education and hygiene supplies to help
Education about suicide and mental health
Education about suicide and mental health
HOW IT WORKS.
Factors as to why suicide is on the rise for Adults
- Lack of resources to health care providers
- Continued racism and discrimination
- Poverty
- Violence
- Accumulated trauma
- Existing stigma about mental health in the black community
- Untreated mental health conditions
- Practicing self-care