Black teen suicides up

Suicide attempts among black teens, especially black girls, have risen at an alarming rate, say researchers who cite such factors as childhood abuse, racial discrimination and disparities in mental health treatment.

Data suggest that the suicide attempts among black youths are more impulsive, reflecting a level of desperation that requires immediate attention, according to a new survey.

The study, by New York University’s McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, focused on high school students’ answers to questions about suicide, focusing on suicide thoughts, plans and attempts.

Studying the years between 1991 and 2017, researchers learned that suicide attempts across the country rose among black teenagers, even as they fell or saw no significant trend among other ethnic groups.

According to the data, the suicide attempt rate for black teens rose 73% over the study period, while the rate for white students fell 7.5 %. Suicide attempts rose at an acclerating rate among black female teenagers, even as overall female suicide attempts declined.

Study authors said stigmas in the black community around mental health services and access to treatment facilities were among the factors.

“We need to be paying attention to risk factors and early warning signs,” said Michael Lindsey, the McSilver Institute’s executive director. “Often, black youths have a mistrust of mental health providers. They prefer to handle their issues within their family or among their peers.”

Among the study’s recommendations is increased access to mental health services.