Because suicide is a subject that’s not discussed much at all, someone you know could be suffering and you have no idea. The statistics are alarming.
Suicides among American youth grew by more than 50% in the last decade. For certain communities, suicide is even more pervasive.
On an average day in the United States, 1 African American dies by suicide every 4.5 hours. And, among the Black community, the numbers are even more troubling for our youth, where suicide attempts have increased more than 70%. Of those youth, a recent study found that 1 out of 4 pre- and early teen suicides identify as LGBTQ.
We must all do our part to be vigilant and to learn the warning signs of suicide ideation so we can intervene before it’s too late. Those most vulnerable to suicide tend to display a specific combination of moods and behaviors following the acronym: DEATHWISH.
