Is there ever a “good” time?
With all that’s going on in the world, I would be remiss if I did not discuss this very important topic.
Suicide is a leading cause of death – yes, even among Black people and every racial and ethnic category as well as age group. The data is sobering and sad, but not to be ignored when suicide is preventable. While there may never be a “good” time to talk about suicide, my work in mental health and wellness helps me understand how critically important it is that we talk about it, and talk about it often, in order to lift the shame and stigma underwhich far too many of us suffer in silence.
Black Men’s Mental Health & Wellness
During my doctoral studies, I chose to focus my research on the mental health and wellness of Black men. I’d hoped that I would be able to find effective therapies that were specifically created and tested among Black men. To my surprise, I instead learned that there were articles noting the lack of interventions and the need for focused interventions dating back to before I was born, but minimal actual interventions and pre-existing research over the course of my entire lifetime. Now, the few evidence-based interventions I did find, mind you I’m speaking about over the span of more than 60 years, were focused on very specific subpopulations of Black men:
- Black gay men living with HIV/AIDS
- Black men engaged in “street life”
- Young Black men in college (ages 18-24)
The Neglect of Black Men
What may stand out to you, as it did for me, is the fact that Black men have somehow been neglected in the field of mental health and wellness. While there were minimal therapies and research to support Black men, there is an abundance of data and research projects documenting everything from arrest rates and police encounters, to crimes, murder, health disparities, and death rates. Pouring through the data meant learning (among other things):
- The suicide rate among Black men is the 3rd highest among all ethnicities and genders (following white and then indigenous men);
- The suicide rate among Black men is 4x the rate of Black women; and
- Black men have disproportionately higher adverse life experiences and health outcomes than all others!
Steps to Make A Difference for Black Men’s Wellness
I hope that with this information you do a couple of things:
- Make a concerted effort to truly listen to and be present for the Black men in your life.
- Speak words of affirmation, encouragement, and love to each and every Black man that you can.
- Appreciate and create space to witness the full expression of emotions among the Black men you encounter (without ANY judgement whatsoever).
Despite their incredible strength and wisdom, Black men are human beings in need of love, connection, and consideration, too. A word of encouragement, support in the form of listening and actually hearing what they share without interruptions, and creating moments where they can authentically share the fullness of all that they are, think, and feel… will go a long way!
Resources for Black Men’s Suicide Prevention
I started this message talking about suicide and suicide prevention. I will go further to say that creating the opportunities for Black men to know that you support them when they are feeling down, when they feel afraid, and when they don’t know where to turn is suicide prevention. There’s more, but this is a good start. You can also let them know that 988 is the free national suicide and crisis hotline that they can call, text or chat online at https://988lifeline.org/ 24/7/365.
In case you’re wondering what happened with my doctoral research, I was inspired to create an intervention for Black men!!! Born out of my love for Black men, I created the BeLoved Black Men Academy. Learn about it here. Please do share this message and unique opportunity for Black Men that is now available.
Love,
Dr. Shawna Marie