Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts – no matter age, race, gender.
Adults
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”.
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”.
Helpful FAQs
Suicide Risk Factors
- 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
Suicide Protective Factors
- 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
Resources
Crisis Call Lines
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
Additional Resources
