Why Are Black People Taking Their Own Lives?

Just last week, we learned the devastating news that former Miss USA Cheslie Kryst (30) died by suicide on January 30, 2022. We were still processing the tragedy of actress Regina King’s son Ian Alexander Jr.'s death by suicide on January 21, 2022.

Rising Rates of Black Suicide

The rates of suicide in the Black community are rising. While rates have been historically low (due to being underreported), suicide became the second leading cause of death in Black children aged 10 to 14 in 2018 (Gordan, 2020). My dissertation highlighted this crisis as a public health concern with a special focus on the rising rate for Black youth and adolescents (Winley et al., 2018).

Black people face increased rates of risk factors, which include, but are not limited to, racism and discrimination, higher rates of unemployment, adverse childhood experiences, and limited access to affordable care. I recently read a tweet by the Melanated Therapist saying, “if we are going to encourage people to seek help, we must also make sure that help is available and accessible.” This is quite accurate as some Black people may not have access to care or know about resources that could support them with their symptoms. More research is needed on how and when suicide risk develops and how suicide attempts can be prevented.

In Cheslie's case, she was successful, beautiful, and appeared to be living the American dream. Even those closest to her would not have guessed the pain that resided within. There are various internal mental health battles that are often fought alone or with little knowledge to others. Sometimes people are trying to grasp an understanding of their pain while trying to survive and “show up” as expected by societal and cultural norms. Pain from living through personal or vicarious encounters of systemic racism, societal and family pressures, grief, and loss may eventually become depressive symptoms and suicidal ideations.

There are several odds that are against a person of color when they enter this world and throughout life; they quickly learn they will have to give up control of who they are or want to be to be accepted. Many people are pushing against the odds but are still faced with the residual effects of slavery and the impacts it has left on the systems in America.

Considerations for Working With Black Therapy Clients

If you are a mental health provider like me, consider these things to include in your practice with Black people:

1. Make “checking in” a regular routine. Keep treatment and safety planning up to date and increase follow-up as needed.
2. Help clients identify triggers. Clients may need your help to dig deeper into presenting concerns. Go beyond the routine assessment questions and maintain ongoing efforts to explore frequent complaints and concerns.
3. Collaborate on finding groups/communities to connect clients to.
4. Stay committed to ongoing dialogue about past and present traumas, struggles, and challenges. Seek consultation as needed.

The conversation about why Black people are dying should continue being investigated and cannot stop because the hashtags are dying down. In professional environments, we must continue to educate ourselves, and, personally, we must continue to support each other, even when life appears good.

If you or someone you love is contemplating suicide, seek help immediately. For help 24/7, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK, or the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. To find a therapist near you, see the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.