Black teens ages 10-19 have a higher suicide rate than any other racial/ethnic group in the past two decades.
Teens
The suicide rate for Black teen males has particularly increased by 60% compared to their white counterparts. These numbers may be startling, but there are steps that individuals and their families can take to address suicide and create healthier habits and lifestyles. Understanding the risk and protective factors that may contribute to teen suicide in the Black community is the first step in identifying whether you or someone you know needs support.
It’s OK not to be OK. It is our goal to normalize talking about mental health conditions and suicide in order to prevent losing more lives. Watch as N’Shay and her son Elijah sit down and have a tough conversation.
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, and The Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services along with Global Insight Productions bring you the award-winning Corgi’s Run. Meet Corgi’s family, along with two of Ohio’s prized all-women’s motorcycle clubs: The Femme Fatales and The Chrome Divas. Each September for National Suicide Prevention Month they come together to ride in the day-long event, “CORGI’S RUN”. The ride has proven to not only spread awareness but reaffirm community and provide hope and support for every participant.
Together they will ride. Together they will heal.
The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, and The Ohio Mental Health & Addiction Services along with Global Insight Productions bring you the award-winning Corgi’s Run. Meet Corgi’s family, along with two of Ohio’s prized all-women’s motorcycle clubs: The Femme Fatales and The Chrome Divas. Each September for National Suicide Prevention Month they come together to ride in the day-long event, “CORGI’S RUN”. The ride has proven to not only spread awareness but reaffirm community and provide hope and support for every participant.
Together they will ride. Together they will heal.
Helpful FAQs
Suicide Risk Factors
- Mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, etc)
- Bullying or cyberbullying
- Media exposure, especially to racial violence
- Impaired relationship with parents
- Parents living outside the home
- Poverty
- Difficulties in school
- Instability in home life (moving, divorce, loss of a parent, etc)
- Community violence and aggression
- Unsupportive social environment (particularly for LGBTQ+ youth)
Suicide Protective Factors
- Family support
- Social support – including peers, church, and community
- Strong positive ethnic identity
- Academic focus
- Access to mental health support
Resources
Crisis Call Lines
- National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988
- Youth Crisis Hotline: Call 1-800-448-4663
- Parent Hotline: Call 1-800-840-6537
- STEVE line for young people of color: Text STEVE to 741-741
- The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ Youth: 1-866-488-7386
Additional Resources
