across the lifespan and have increased for Black youth, but the highest rate of death is among Black Americans aged 25-34 years of age.” said researcher and professor of psychology and director of the University of Houston’s Culture, Risk and Resilience Lab, Dr. Reeda Walker. She believes one way to stem the trend is to continue bringing these conversations into the public arena.
“Suicide is a preventable public health problem and it’s time we get proactive in addressing it,” said Walker.
What Can Be Done?
1. Talk with someone. If there’s no one in your circle that you can feel like you can talk to, then call a hotline and speak to someone who is will willing to listen. Call 800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org
2. Prioritize and fund new programs to build evidence for effective approaches that reduce suicide in Black and other communities of color. The first step in making suicide prevention more equitable is to partner with local, state, and national organizations already working with communities of color. Collaboration can help you design suicide prevention materials that are linguistically and culturally competent and build prevention efforts most likely to reduce suicide in those communities.
3. Remember, there’s always hope. We have resources here at BlackDoctor.org to help you find a mental health specialist in your area that may be able to help as well. We’re here for you.