[TW: Suicide] Understanding Elevated Suicide Risk in Black Children & How to Respond
Trigger Warning: Today, we’re going to be discussing an incredibly difficult topic: child death by suicide. Please take care when reading.
If you are in crisis, please call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). These are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These service are available to anyone. All calls are confidential. http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Black History Month is always important, and especially when Black futures are at stake. Available data about the rate of suicide among children indicates that black children may be at elevated risk of suicide.
A 2018 study by JAMA Pediatrics revealed that black children ages 5-12 were dying at twice the rate of their white peers.
Keep in mind that suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals 10-24.
This is the most recent available study on death by suicide among children in this age range. It relied on data about child death by suicide from 2001-2015. Even though the data is older, we think it’s meaningful to consider particularly in the context of the impact of COVID-19.
Recent research on rates of suicide and suicide attempts among children during the pandemic suggest that suicide risk increased. Studies in France and the US found elevated rates of suicide in children.
With that in mind, we want to share three misconceptions about communication relating to suicide:
Talking about suicide doesn’t increase the likelihood of suicide.
When your child talks about suicide, it’s important to take it seriously.
Do not assume your child doesn’t understand the severity of their words.
Listen for openly suicidal statement like “I wish I was dead,” or “I won’t be a problem for much longer,” according to the American Association of Child and Adolescent Pscyhiatry. (There are other direct and indirect warning signs, which we’ll share in just a moment.)
When you hear troubling statements, start by asking questions like:
“Are you feeling sad or depressed?”
“Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?” and/or
“Have you ever thought about hurting or killing yourself?”
Research shows that these questions don’t put ideas into a child’s head or increase suicidal ideation.
Instead, they open up meaningful conversations that show children that someone cares, and give children a chance to talk about problems and experiences.
It’s extremely difficult to think about, but children can and do die by suicide. If your child expresses a desire or intent to self-harm, it’s important to listen and respond.
We’re also hosting a conversation about suicide risk in black children. Our Director of Clinical Care, Jasmine Daniel, and Tomi Atkintunde, Founder of mater mea, will discuss risks and tips for how to respond if you’re concerned about a young person in your life. Learn more about how to tune in:
The National Institute of Mental Health provides valuable clarity around warning signs of suicide risk, and tips for how to respond. We’ve summarized both here:
Warning Signs of Suicide Risk:
Talking about:
Wanting to die
Wanting to kill themselves
Feeling empty or hopeless
Having no reason to live
Feeling trapped
Feeling that there are no solutions
Being a burden to others
Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
Withdrawing from family and friends
Giving away important possessions
Saying goodbye to friends and family
Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
Taking great risks that could lead to death
Talking or thinking about death often
5 Ways to Respond to Suicide Risk
Ask: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question, but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.
Keep them Safe: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.
Be There: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.
Help them Connect: Save the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s (1-800-273-TALK (8255)) and the Crisis Text Line’s number (741741) in your phone, so it’s there when you need it. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.
Stay Connected: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.
As difficult as it is to confront, child suicide is a real risk and one we need to take seriously.
Remember that, in many cases, suicide can be prevented. By shifting our mindset and approach, we can meaningfully reduce the number of child and adolescent suicide attempts.
If you or your family is in crisis, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741), call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. Support exists for you.
