SUICIDE

Did you know the suicide rate among Black people is rising at a significant rate? This is especially true among young people. Studies show the following plays a role:

1. Constant exposure to racism and anti-blackness.

2. Constant exposure to violence, hate and accumulated trauma

3. Social media usage

4. Lack of mental health support and resources

5. Undiagnosed mental health conditions such as depression.

Ask those around you a simple question.  How are you doing? Encourage those suffering and feeling overwhelmed to get help. And most of all, realize the way and world the older generations grew up in no longer exists.  The issues, pressures and societal norms are very different today for our children and young people today. And the internet does not help as its content is a constant dose of good, bad, evil and it presents a reality . Young people need to know their image is not defined not by social media and the entertainment industries, but by the real like examples such as caregivers, parents, siblings, teachers and the like.  The ones that will tell you the truth.  They also need help coping with the constant trauma and fear they witness daily. And most of all, they need support in their daily walk and help putting all of these things in perspective. Let’s do a better job of loving one another to get through what life throws our way, no matter the age.