Overlooked Signs of Suicidality in Black Youth: What are we missing?

Michael Lindsey, PhD, MSW, MPH
New York University

ABSTRACT:
Suicide is preventable. For Blacks, stigma regarding mental health challenges and a common belief that Blacks don’t die by suicide add complexity to the challenge of saving lives. Sadly, the suicide death rate among Black youth has been found to be increasing faster than any other racial or ethic group. Black adolescents are significantly less likely to receive care for depression with pervasive structural inequities, social determinants of health, stigma and mistrust of the healthcare system creating daunting barriers to treatment. What can we do to prevent these deaths? What can schools, funders, family members, health institutions and governmental entities do to provide the necessary investment and training to properly address the mental wellness needs of Black youth? In this presentation, Dr. Lindsey will discuss signs and symptoms of depression, suicide and anxiety in Black children. He will also explore the importance of access to care, as well as preventive measures and policy.