Mental Health, Suicide, and Black Teens: A Growing Concern

October 9, 2024

October 9, 2024

The mental health struggles of Black teens are a growing crisis that demands urgent attention. Recent statistics reveal an alarming increase in suicide rates among Black youth, which has prompted deeper conversations about the mental health disparities they face. In an episode of Successful Black Parenting Magazine’s video podcast, BACKtalk, host Janice Robinson-Celeste sat down with award-winning writer and educator Tony Weaver Jr. to explore this critical issue. Their conversation sheds light on the unique challenges Black teens face and offers insights into how parents and communities can help.

From 2018 to 2021, the suicide rate among Black youth aged 10 to 24 increased by a shocking 37%. These statistics highlight the severity of the mental health crisis in the Black community. Tony Weaver Jr., a suicide survivor himself, emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges early and offering support to Black teens struggling with mental health.

Weaver shared his personal journey during the BACKtalk episode, recalling how his own struggles with self-esteem, isolation, and depression as a teen led him to a dark place. He stressed how the lack of mental health resources, cultural misunderstandings, and stigmas within the Black community can prevent teens from receiving the help they need. His story serves as a powerful reminder that Black teens need more than just platitudes—they need actionable tools to navigate their emotions and experiences.

Backtalk thumbnail for mental health talk with tony weaver
🎙️Click to listen to the podcast.

Black youth often face several barriers when trying to access mental health services. These include:

  • Stigma: Mental health issues are often stigmatized within the Black community, leading many teens to suffer in silence.
  • Cost and accessibility: Many Black families cannot afford mental health care or struggle to find providers in their communities.
  • Lack of culturally competent care: Black teens need mental health professionals who understand their cultural experiences and the unique challenges they face.

During this BACKtalk episode, Weaver highlighted the critical importance of providing culturally competent care to Black youth. Without this, Black teens may feel misunderstood or receive incorrect diagnoses. For instance, Black children are sometimes misclassified as having behavioral issues rather than mental health problems.

“From 2018 to 2021, the suicide rate among Black youth aged 10 to 24 increased by a shocking 37%.”

The impact of racial discrimination on mental health is profound. Studies show that Black youth who experience racial discrimination are more than three times as likely to have suicidal thoughts, make suicide plans, and attempt suicide than those who do not face such discrimination. Weaver pointed out how media, social environments, and even school systems often fail to protect Black teens from the psychological harm caused by racism.

Black teens often face microaggressions, racial bias, and bullying in school environments where teachers and administrators may not have the tools to support them. Weaver, in his conversation on BACKtalk, shared how teachers failed to intervene in situations where he faced racial discrimination as a student. He emphasized the importance of educators being trained to recognize and address these issues, as the lack of support can worsen mental health outcomes for Black teens.

An african american teen talks to a therapist about his mental health
Source: DepositPhotos.com

Black LGBTQ+ youth are particularly vulnerable, facing compounded discrimination based on both race and sexual orientation. Research shows that Black LGBTQ+ teens are at an even higher risk of suicide than their peers, making it crucial to offer targeted support to this group.

Tony Weaver Jr.’s story underscores the importance of parents creating a safe and open environment for their children to discuss mental health struggles. He urged parents to start conversations early, even if they don’t have all the answers. Weaver shared how his own parents stepped in once they discovered the severity of his struggles, ensuring he received the therapy he needed.

Parents should pay attention to their child’s behavior, especially changes in mood, interest in hobbies, or social interactions. Knowing what brings joy to your child can help you identify when something is wrong. As Weaver mentioned, it’s crucial for parents to not just offer vague encouragement but to provide tangible support, such as seeking professional help when needed.

To address the growing mental health crisis among Black teens, communities, schools, and families can implement the following solutions:

  • Increase access to culturally competent mental health care: Black teens need professionals who understand their unique experiences. Expanding access to such care is vital.
  • Address the stigma around mental health: Normalizing conversations about mental health in the Black community will help break down the barriers preventing teens from seeking help.
  • Training for educators: Schools should train educators to better support Black students and recognize the mental health impacts of racial discrimination.
  • Provide support to LGBTQ+ Black teens: This group faces even greater mental health challenges, so offering them safe spaces and targeted mental health resources is crucial.

Mental health struggles are real and growing among Black teens. It is critical to open up the dialogue within families and communities and ensure that these teens receive the support they need. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help—early intervention can save lives.

By addressing mental health disparities, reducing stigma, and providing culturally competent care, we can begin to reverse the alarming trends and ensure that Black teens have the support they need to thrive.


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