A Suicide Crisis is Happening with Black Youth in New York City

Youth in America: Despair, Violence, or Positive Action

By Fern Gillespie
Black children in New York are killing themselves. According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death among Black New Yorkers ages 15 to 19 and the third leading cause of death among children ages 5 to 14. Approximately 34.1 percent of Black high school students said that they were feeling sad or hopeless according to a 2019 Preventions Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). From 1997 to 2019 Black teens reporting a suicide attempt increased by 8.8 percent, while White teen suicide attempts decreased by 16.4 percent.
This alarming suicide crisis among Black youth has propelled New York State Senator Samra Brouk to lead in the legislative passage of the New York Black Youth Suicide Task Force. It is currently awaiting the signature of Gov. Hochul to become a bill. “My legislation to create the Black Youth Suicide Task Force is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that all children and families receive the care they deserve,” Senator Brouk told Our Time Press. “Black children are twice as likely to die by suicide, and the rate of Black youth suicide has increased by nearly 80 percent since 2000. Our children deserve kind, culturally competent, age-appropriate care that recognizes their value and understands the unique challenges that can exist for Black youth in America.”
Our Time Press spoke with Dr. Farah Jeantel, LCSW, DSW, a consultant with Counseling in Schools, who is a counselor for students in New York City public schools.

OTP — Why are more black teens committing suicide?
FJ – COVID-19 plays a major role. For three years, they’ve been inside their home and they haven’t received the proper access to mental health services. Or, they’re dealing with home issues like domestic violence or abuse from their caretakers. Also, their own personal self-esteem and confidence is a reason.

OTP – Are there different reasons for Black teen boys and Black teen girls having suicide attempts?
FJ – The little research shows us that screening for depression is inequitable among Black females and males. So among our young Black men, their behavior and
conduct are seen as in disorder and are treated a different way — not as anxiety or depression. Whereas, Black females are seen and screened for anxiety and depression more often. Black females attempt more but young males are more successful because of the means used to commit suicide. Historically, females use less lethal methods such as attempting to overdose. Males use more lethal means like using a weapon.

OTP – Do you see social media as part of this increase in suicide?
FJ – With this generation, social media is in their lives. Social media applies more pressure to fit in. It doesn’t allow them an escape. If they’re being cyberbullied there is no escape. If they’re physically in a school building, they will go through it from period to period. But, it will continue when they get home. They get no break.

OTP – Does dealing with racism as a Black teen have a part in this increase in suicide?
FJ – We see students who were seeing the George Floyd incidents on the news and they go to school and nobody is really holding a face to face for them to discuss these incidents that are happening around the world. Black and brown students have these experiences facing racism and discrimination. As a Black woman and a Black counselor, it’s important that I create a space for them. So they can have the opportunity to express themselves and to process the experiences that they have.

OTP – What can parents do to help their children deal with these depression issues so that it doesn’t escalate to suicide attempts?
FJ – I would say first definitely do not be afraid of having the conversation. As a young woman from a Caribbean background, I know mental health is a topic that we don’t discuss. Still isn’t discussed in our Black communities. It’s important for parents to educate themselves to have a conversation. Also being aware of the warning signs. If you see your child having mood swings. If you see that they’re being a little more reserved. If they’re speaking as if things are ending. It’s important that you pay attention. That you can address these warning signs before they escalate to a suicide attempt. Parents should not be afraid to reach out for help.