Why Suicide Rates for Black Men Are So High, Plus What We Can Do About It

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Black men are facing rising rates of mental health crises, like other groups in the U.S. But, there are often barriers to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions in Black men that other people don't face. As a result, the rate of suicide among Black men and boys is also climbing.

Let's take a closer look at suicide rates among Black males, and the support and resources available to address it.

Prevalence and impact of suicide among Black men

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among Black male teens and young adults. Between 2013 and 2019, there was an almost 50% spikein suicide rates among Black males between the ages of 15 and 24.

The impact of suicide has far-reaching effects on families and communities, including:

• Economic hardship: This is often due to lost income and the high costs of mental health care. It raises immediate costs and harms long-term stability - straining families and communities.

• Emotional stress: Losing a loved one to suicide can have a huge emotional toll on those left behind. It increases the risk of depression and anxiety in families and loved ones.

• Public health crisis: Increasing suicide rates among Black men exposes the gaps and puts a further strain on healthcare services in this country. Many Black men have trouble accessing the mental health services they need, leaving them at an increased risk of suicide.

Risk factors contributing to suicide rates among Black males

Understanding why Black men face higher risks of suicide is important for finding solutions. Some of the key risk factors include:

• Racism and discrimination: Systemic racism can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts.

• Lack of access to mental health care: Black men may find it difficult to find culturally sensitive help, which can worsen outcomes.

• Cultural stigma around mental health: The stigma around mental health challenges can deter Black men from reaching out for support.

• Financial difficulties: Low pay and financial challenges can exacerbate mental health issues and increase suicide risk.

• Exposure to violence: Chronic exposure to violence can increase the risk of suicide.

• Healthcare bias:Stereotypes and bias may prevent the proper diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions among Black men.

• Lack of mental health education: Not recognizing the warning signs of depression in men may lead to an increased risk of suicide.

Signs of suicidal behavior

Knowing the signs of suicidal behavior can help prevent suicide among Black men and boys. If you notice these warning signs, let a mental health care professional know or call the 988 crisis hotline for help:

Hopelessness

You should take all expressions of feeling trapped or that things will never get better seriously. A sense of hopelessness has been linked to suicidal thoughts in Black youth.

Verbal cues

Signs of hopelessness or worthlessness are serious red flags for suicide. So are thoughts and verbal cues about death and dying. Some examples are:

• "I wish I were dead."

• "I won't need this anymore."

• "I can't go on."

• "Everyone would be better off if I were dead."

Behavioral changes

Watch for sudden changes in behavior. These include pulling away from social activities, giving away belongings, or preparing for death. A decline in performance at work or school can also be a warning sign.

Mood changes

Extreme changes in mood, like feeling very sad or emotionally numb, can signal trouble. A person may also seem unusually calm after being very upset.

Self-harm

Someone harming themselves, such as cutting or burning, is a cause for concern. This may be a sign of serious distress and a risk of suicide.

Substance use

An increased use of alcohol or drugs to cope with emotional pain are red flags. Substance use can also heighten the risk of suicidal behavior.

Sleep disturbances

Changes in sleep can be a sign of mental health issues. You may notice a loved one sleeping too little or too much as a symptom of depression and other mental health conditions.

Loss of interest

A sudden loss of interest in activities once enjoyed can be a sign of depression. No longer spending time with friends or doing hobbies can be a warning of mental distress.

Risk-taking behavior

Reckless behavior, like unsafe driving, disregards safety and has been linked to serious depression and risk of suicide.

Physical symptoms

Unexplained pain or fatigue that's not getting better with treatment could be connected to emotional distress. Don't ignore these signs as they can be symptoms of depression.

How you can help someone with suicidal thoughts

If someone you care about is having suicidal thoughts, your presence can make a huge difference. It can make them feel less alone and more hopeful. Here's how else you can help:

• Start the conversation. Don't be afraid to ask if they're having thoughts of suicide. Asking directly will not push them to act on those thoughts. It gives them a chance to talk about their feelings and get the support they need.

• Listen. Show that you understand their feelings and let them know it's OK not to be OK. Avoid making light of their feelings or giving advice they haven't asked for.

• Be supportive. Help them find a therapist or counselor, and offer to go with them if they want support.

• Be patient. Healing takes time, and their feelings might change from day to day. Keep showing care and reassurance.

• Create a safety plan. If you can, store or remove anything they might use to hurt themselves, such as medications, knives, and weapons.

Being there for someone who is having thoughts of suicide can provide the reassurance they need to get through difficult times. Your encouragement can be a crucial source of strength and comfort.

Support and resources for mental wellness in Black men

Asking for help with mental health is a brave choice, not a sign of weakness. Reaching out shows strength and a commitment to taking care of yourself. Some resources available to support Black men include:

• Brother You're on My Mind: This initiative raises awareness about the mental health challenges that affect Black men and their families.

• Black Men Heal: This nonprofit provides free mental health services for Black men on a limited basis.

• Active Minds: This nonprofit supports mental health conversations among young adults. It also offers resources for Black men's mental health.

• Therapy for Black Men: This organization connects Black men with therapists who understand their cultural needs.

• The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation: This nonprofit provides links to licensed therapists of color. There's also information on access to free therapy.

• Melanin and Mental Health: This organization finds licensed and culturally competent mental health practitioners for Black and Latinx clients.

• Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM): This organization works to remove the barriers that Black people face in accessing emotional healthcare.

• Talkspace: This online and mobile therapy company offers online access to licensed therapists.

• Psychology Today: This wellness site offers a national directory of African American therapists and their contact information that you can access.

• Black Love's Men to Men Podcast: This podcast offers personal stories from successful Black men who speak with honesty and vulnerability.

If someone needs help right away, they can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line at 988. They offer confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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