By Madison Garrett
The Increased Suicide Rate
In late 2019, The New York Beacon published an article about the rising suicide rate amongst Black youths. For Black children aged between 10 and 14, suicide is the second leading cause of death and for Black teenagers between the ages of 15 and 19, the third leading cause of death (National Institute of Mental Health). Although this study was reported by The New York Beacon and several other reputable news sites, national attention was not largely drawn nor was there a spotlight that shined on this matter long enough. Amidst the under-reporting of the increased suicide rate, negligence for the well-being and mental health of Black adolescents continues. Non-Hispanic black children are more likely to have mental health diagnoses compared with non-Hispanic white children (Healio Pediatrics). Illnesses of depression and anxiety ravage the minds of today’s Black, resulting in suicide attempts. It is now two years since the initial study on the suicide rate and the crisis of America’s Black youths killing themselves largely continues. Black and African-American children are disregarded, overlooked, and abandoned by the media. Thus, the sufferings of Black children are continually silenced.
Dark Cloud, Black Kid, Sad World
Since the creation of America, Blacks have been subjected to brutal persecution. From slavery to segregation to the now publicized issue of police brutality, at the heart of these hardships Black youths bear the brunt. During times of slavery, Black children were split from their families, physically and sexually abused, and labored relentlessly to provide for their master. In the course of America’s Civil Rights Movement, Black children were pelted with spit and screams of racial slurs as they walked into their newly-integrated classrooms. And now, through the passed down generational trauma, Black children view and experience racism not only in person- but in the comfort of their own home. Black children living in the 21st century swipe past damaging racist posts daily. Black children living in the 21st-century scroll down their timeline and see endless videotaped gore of a Black man shot by police officers. Black children living in the 21st century turn on television news and hear commentators debate over the statement “Black Lives Matter ” is terroristic. Researchers remain puzzled why this increase of suicide among Black children is occurring, but all the causes are displayed so obviously yet ignored so casually.
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The Million Dollar Question
Black Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the greater population (Anxiety And Depression Association of America). Alongside, the depression rate amongst Black teenagers and youths has significantly increased in the last decade. Data researched by Mental Health America found adult Blacks and African Americans as more likely to encounter feelings of worthlessness and sadness than adult whites. In addition, Black and African American teenagers are more likely to attempt suicide than white teenagers. (Mental Health America). After reading these disturbing facts the only word that can roll off the tongue is “why?” Why are Black Americans more likely to encounter severe mental health issues? Why is depression prevalent amongst Black teenagers and young adults? Why are so many Black teens attempting suicide? One explanation can be found in the wealth gap. As reported by The Office of Minority Help, African Americans living below the poverty line are twice as likely to report psychological distress compared to those who live above the poverty line. Despite their struggling mental health, those who can’t afford resources don’t receive help. But it doesn’t stop there. For Black adolescents, depression and anxiety are easy to come by when everywhere is a war zone. Whether it’s walking to school in fear of local gang violence and gunshots or being stricken with fear every time a police car drives next to you, life as a Black adolescent is one filled with unease.
The Future of Our Future
Because this issue remains under-reported, the suicide rate among Black children continues to soar. What does this mean for the next generation of Black children? Are Black children supposed to grow up learning to cope with their depression and anxiety untreated and neglected? To combat this issue, the stigma surrounding mental health must absolutely be eradicated and reform needs to take place. In our judicial system. Black and African American people with mental health conditions are more likely to be imprisoned instead of receive mental treatment compared to other races. Moreover, the stigma surrounding mental health needs to be exterminated. The Black community’s judgment about mental health and the fear of being dismissed as “crazy” prevents suffering Blacks from seeking treatment for their mental illnesses. When improvement in the judicial system and honest discussions about mental health begins, Black & African-Americans will truly heal mentally.
As the great Fredrick Douglass wrote, “It is easier to build strong children than repair broken men”. Uplift the children around you and instill positive affirmations in their forming minds. Love the Black children around you. Not only pay attention to their actions but listen and speak to the Black adolescents that surround you. Take notice of their actions and speaking tones, of their sleeping patterns and weight fluctuations. Living in a country that constantly debates over our worth, the mental health of Black youths suffer. It is essential to properly care, comfort, and protect the Black children of America.
