Suicide on the Rise in Black and African American Communities

Minority Mental Health Awareness month is observed each July to increase awareness of the unique struggles that racial and ethnic minorities face regarding mental illness in the United States.

For example, while the COVID-19 pandemic certainly resulted in a sharp increase in completed deaths by suicide in the black and African American communities, it was on the rise long before the lock-down and racial justice movement began.

Alarmingly, suicide rates among African American adolescents and young adults are the highest number and highest rate of any other African American group.  In 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for blacks or African Americans, ages 15 to 24; and suicide rates for children under the age of 12 are climbing quickly.

As you are caring for your patients, remember that it is critical to consider ethnic and cultural differences in attitudes related to receiving mental health services, suicide, and how stigma impacts the ability to encourage and utilize traditional social network support.  Be encouraged to become a more culturally competent provider in your discipline of medicine!

As a provider, be ready to help your patients by fostering open and honest dialogue, listening nonjudgmentally, and knowing what resources are available to help, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or the new 988, or text “MHFA” to 741-741 to be connected to a Crisis Text Line counselor.

Suicide in the African American Community

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