New data released by the CDC shows double-digit percentage increases in suicide among Black Americans. For young Black persons age10-24, suicide increased 36% between 2018 and 2021. For Black persons age 25-44, suicide increased 23% in the same period. By comparison, suicide among white populations decreased.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) identifies factors like socioeconomic disparities, stigma, and provider bias as barriers to African Americans seeking mental health help. With Mississippi having the highest percentage of Black population of any state in the 2020 census, the total numbers at risk are significant.
In Mississippi, hope for better outcomes is available. The nationwide launch of 988, the new Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, provides Mississippians with options for talk, text, or web chat. 988 crisis line operators are trained to refer help to someone in any degree of mental distress, from needing emotional support to thoughts of suicide. Operators can refer callers to mental health treatment across the state, including the Community Mental Health Center network, which offers sliding scale services to accommodate patients with difficulty paying for treatment.
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) offers Shatter the Silence, a suicide prevention and awareness campaign that helps people recognize warning signs and risk factors that contribute to suicide. The campaign offers presentations to schools, churches, military, law enforcement and first responders and any organization that can reach people and get them talking about the importance of mental health and suicide awareness. Shatter the Silence is available throughout the state at no cost.
“It’s important to recognize signs of distress in a loved one, and openly encourage them to reach out for help,” says Ja’Quila Newsome, Director of Suicide Prevention at the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. “Supporting each other is a powerful way to overcome stigma.”
For more information about Shatter the Silence, contact Ja’Quila Newsome at jaquila.newsome@dmh.ms.gov. 988 is the new suicide crisis hotline. Call or text 988 at the first sign of mental distress, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Contacts are confidential. For information about mental health services near you, call the DMH Helpline at 1-877-210-8513.
Photo courtesy: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ayvaftizf4rtoqy/shatter-the-silence-logo-color-RGB.jpg?dl=0
