From NPR · · 3m
Black suicide rates climbing, America must talk
Suicide among Black Americans has increased more than 50% over the past decade, with youth rates rising particularly sharply as firearm access grows.
In brief
Suicide among Black Americans has increased more than 50% over the past decade, with youth rates rising particularly sharply as firearm access grows. Black suicide rates have increased over 50% in the past decade, particularly among youth, driven partly by increased firearm access, and experts say open conversation…
A personal reckoning with silence
NPR host Michel Martin's brother died by suicide on May ten, two thousand ten. For years she could not speak about it, but she has come to realize that silence does not protect us.
“Our silence is not protecting us.”
Black suicide rates up over fifty percent
Black suicide rates have increased more than fifty percent over about the past ten years according to CDC data. The rate of Black youth suicides by firearms exceeded that of white youth in two thousand twenty-two.
NPR convenes a live panel on the crisis
Michel Martin hosted NPR's Morning Edition live event called Going There: A Matter of Life and Death. Speakers included CEO emerita of BET Debra Lee, Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-NJ, psychiatrist Dr. Paul Nestadt, retired NFL champion Vernon Davis, WWE superstar Ettore Big E Ewen and Rev. Johnny Parker.
Vernon Davis on his mental health struggles
Super Bowl-winning tight end Vernon Davis shared his struggles with panic attacks and depression during the event. After losing both his brother and sister in quick succession, he began speaking openly about mental health to help others facing similar pain.
“I would have these episodes in the game. I would go sit on a bench and breathe hard. I just felt like, for a split second, that I didn't want to be here.”
Firearm access drives the fatal increase
Dr. Paul Nestadt, medical director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Suicide Prevention, notes that firearm ownership in the Black community increased dramatically in two thousand twenty, during the pandemic and after the murder of George Floyd. More guns in homes make suicide attempts fatal.
“The death rate has gone higher than it's ever been. And that just comes down to the fact that when an attempt is made, now with so many more guns in the house, that attempt is fatal.”
Myths about suicide must be corrected
Dr. Nestadt emphasized that suicide is often an impulsive act, not limited to people with long-term mental illness. Mentioning concern that someone might take their own life does not plant the idea. Interrupting that thought can work and be lifesaving.
Reaching out and finding resources matter
Every panelist emphasized that reaching out to loved ones who seem to be struggling can be lifesaving. Free and low-cost resources and treatment options are available and effective. Remembering those lost to suicide as full people can be healing to those left behind.
Crisis support available twenty-four hours
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text nine eight eight to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Someone is available twenty-four hours a day to talk or help get access to care.
The one thing
Black suicide rates have increased over 50% in the past decade, particularly among youth, driven partly by increased firearm access, and experts say open conversation and support are essential.
