Researchers sound the alarm over rising Black male suicides

by ReShonda Tate, Defender Network

The recent death of Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss, who ended his life in December 2022, drew attention to the alarming reality that, once considered extremely rare, suicide in the Black community is rising. Suicidal ideation – thoughts of taking one’s own life – and attempts, are becoming even more common.

Researchers are sounding the alarm about the number of young Black men who are dying by suicide. A report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that although the overall rate of suicide in the United States decreased by 3% in 2020 (the latest year stats are available), the rate of suicide actually increased among many men of color, including Black men, who according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, have a death rate from suicide three times greater than for Black women.

“Unfortunately, Black men often suffer in silence,” said therapist Nettie Jones, MS, LPC. “They don’t seek the help that sometimes women will reach out to get. We’ll call our girlfriends, let them know that things are not okay. But unfortunately Black men tend not to do that. They hold things in, they self-medicate, they are workaholics. The kind of do stuff that’s not very healthy.”

Jones said now, more than ever is the opportunity to have discussions around Black men and suicide.

“I am hopeful that this will raise awareness for African American men that they too suffer from depression or times where they really feel low. Hopefully this will start a dialogue, a kitchen conversation that we feel comfortable talking about in our communities,” Jones added.

Learn about trends in Black male suicide.

Our Free At Last? exhibit details some of the experiences that contribute to high suicide rates.

Our breaking news archive frequently discusses the Black experience.