From The New York Times: “For more than a decade, suicide rates have been increasing in Black children and adolescents, and a new study says the sharpest rise occurred among young girls.
“The study, published on Thursday in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, found that just over 1,800 Black children died by suicide between 2003 and 2017, and while most of the deaths were among boys, especially those ages 15 to 17, the gender gap is narrowing. The suicide rate of the girls increased an average of 6.6 percent each year — more than twice the increase for boys, the study said. Nearly 40 percent of the girls were 12 to 14 years old, indicating that this age group may need additional attention or different types of interventions.
“’That was just like, “Whoa” — what’s going on with our Black girls?’ said Arielle H. Sheftall, the lead author of the study. ‘It caught me a little off guard.’
…“’The experiences of the African American child are like none other in the United States,’ said LaVome Robinson, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago who has studied suicidality in Black adolescents. ‘We live in a society that marginalizes us — more so probably than any other group — and has historically for years.’
“In the Black community, suicide as we typically define it remains rare, Dr. Robinson added, but the numbers may be higher than we think because of indirect suicide, she said, where adolescents deliberately put themselves in harm’s way.
“’The question you should ask is, “Why is it that their will to live was so weak, or not strong enough, to prohibit them from engaging in those very risky behaviors that could in fact be deadly?”‘ Dr. Robinson said….”
This post sheds light on an incredibly concerning issue that often goes unnoticed. It’s heartbreaking to see the rising suicide rates among Black girls, and it underscores the urgent need for more supportive environments. We must amplify their voices and prioritize mental health resources tailored to their unique experiences. Thank you for bringing awareness to this matter.
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This post sheds light on a critical issue that often goes unnoticed. The rising suicide rates among Black girls are deeply concerning, and it highlights the urgent need for more awareness and support in our communities. It’s vital that we listen to their stories and create environments where they feel safe and valued. Thank you for bringing attention to this important topic.
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This is such an important and timely topic. It’s heartbreaking to see the rising suicide rates among Black girls, and it highlights the urgent need for better mental health support and resources in our communities. We must listen to their stories and advocate for change to address the systemic issues they face. Thank you for shedding light on this critical issue.
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This article hits hard and highlights a critical issue that often gets overlooked. It’s heartbreaking to see the rising suicide rates among Black girls, and we need to prioritize their mental health and well-being more than ever. It’s essential for us as a community to listen, support, and create safe spaces for them to express their struggles. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic.
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This is such an important discussion. The rising suicide rates among Black girls reflect deeper societal issues that need to be addressed urgently. We must prioritize mental health support and create safe spaces for our youth to express their struggles. It’s heartbreaking to see how much pain they are in, and we all have a role to play in fostering a more supportive environment. Thank you for bringing attention to this critical issue.
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