- 13 -
accessHealthNews.net
July 2024
Volume 10 | Issue No. 86
The mental health crisis among Black
youth in the United States is a pressing is-
sue that requires immediate attention.
The intersection of systemic racism, socio-
economic disparities, and cultural stigma
has created an environment where Black
youth are particularly vulnerable to mental
health challenges. This essay explores the
multifaceted nature of this crisis, examines
the contributing factors, and highlights
the need for comprehensive solutions to
address the mental health needs of Black
youth.
Federal data reveals that in 2022, the sui-
cide rate among Black youth aged 10 to
19 exceeded that of their white peers for
the first time, marking a 54% increase since
2018. In contrast, the suicide rate for white
youth decreased by 17%. The suicide rate
among Black adolescents is rising faster
than in other racial and ethnic groups,
with a 144% increase observed from 2007
to 2020 among Black individuals aged 10
to 17. Despite a general decline in the
overall youth suicide rate, this data high-
lights the urgent need to enhance and
address mental health care for Black
communities.
Black youth face significant mental health
challenges that are often exacerbated
by their social and economic conditions.
According to a report by the Congressio-
nal Black Caucus, Black youth are more
likely to experience severe psychological
distress, yet they are less likely to receive
mental health treatment compared to
their white counterparts. The National In-
stitute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicates
that suicide rates among Black youth have
increased dramatically over the past de-
cade, making suicide the second leading
cause of death for Black children ages 10
to 14, and third for those ages 15 to 19.
These alarming statistics underscore the
severity of the mental health crisis facing
Black youth.
Contributing Factors to the Mental Health
Crisis
Systemic Racism and Discrimination: Black
youth are often subjected to systemic rac-
ism and discrimination, leading to chronic
stress, anxiety, and depression.
"It is still taught today that Blacks have a higher pain
tolerance, and so their trauma, both physical and mental,
is often sidelined."
READ MORE
- Dr. Uché Blackstock
Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine.
