In recent years, the black community in the United States has been grappling with a disturbing and often overlooked issue: the rising suicide rates and the increased reliance on emergency mental health inpatient hospitalization. This article delves into the statistics, underlying reasons, and the deeply rooted challenges that exacerbate these mental health struggles. Rising Suicide Rates: A Stark Reality According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Mental Health America (MHA), suicide rates among black individuals have been on a troubling upward trajectory. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent lives cut short and communities in mourning. For example, SAMHSA reports a significant increase in suicide rates among black youth, with the rate nearly doubling between 2014 and 2018. MHA’s data corroborates this trend, highlighting that suicide has become the second leading cause of death for black children aged 10-14 and the third leading cause for black adolescents aged 15-19. Emergency Inpatient Hospitalization: One alarming trend is the high rate at which black individuals first receive mental health services through emergency inpatient hospitalization. This statistic underscores a reactive rather than proactive approach to mental health care within the community. Dr. King Davis, Chair of Mental Health and Social Policy at the University of Texas at Austin, has extensively researched this phenomenon. He explains that many black individuals turn to emergency services due to a lack of access to regular, preventive mental health care, coupled with a distrust of outpatient psychiatric treatment. Underlying Reasons: Stigma, Historical Mistrust, and Stereotypes Several factors contribute to the increased suicide rates and the high utilization of inpatient hospitalization over counseling and outpatient treatment. Dr. Davis points to the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health in the black community as a critical barrier. Mental illness is often seen as a weakness or personal failing, discouraging individuals from seeking help. Historical mistrust also plays a significant role. The black community’s experience with the mental health system is marred by a history of unjust treatment and exploitation. This mistrust is rooted in well-documented instances, such as the unethical Tuskegee Syphilis Study, which have left a lasting legacy of suspicion towards medical institutions. Furthermore, harmful stereotypes about the mental health of African Americans persist. These stereotypes, perpetuated by societal and media portrayals, suggest that black individuals are more resilient and thus less in need of mental health support. This misconception can lead to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of mental health issues within the community and thereby exacerbates unaddressed conditions that become urgent over time. An urgency that can be prevented with early treatment. Attitudes Toward Medication: A Complex Relationship African American attitudes towards medication for mental health conditions further complicate the landscape. According to Dr. Davis and research from the American Psychiatric Association, there is a prevalent skepticism towards psychiatric medication. Many fear potential side effects and long-term dependency, while others believe that medication is unnecessary or ineffective. These attitudes can result in lower adherence to prescribed treatments, contributing to the higher rates of emergency interventions. Something Must Be Done: Addressing the mental health crisis in the black community requires a multifaceted approach. Reducing stigma, building trust in the mental health system, and dismantling harmful stereotypes are essential steps. Additionally, increasing access to preventive mental health care and promoting culturally competent treatment options can help shift the focus from emergency responses to proactive, sustained support. The UP Company, a local private practice that provides counseling services is also determined to help reduce the stigma of mental health in the Black community. Owner and licensed therapist, Natasha Oates wanted to identify more high quality options for clients who could benefit from medication in addition to therapy. “Sadly, I knew about only two options who had great reputations, so I reached out to various therapist groups in the area to learn who the best psychiatrists are that are African American.” Natasha Oates quickly learned that many of her fellow colleagues wanted to know the same information as well. That’s how the Best Black Psychiatrists of Charlotte was created. The recommendations from local therapists, nurse practitioners and social workers were compiled and then vetted against online reviews. This list is now not only available for clinicians to use as a top tier referral list but for all and is one small step toward rebuilding trust and credibility for the improvement in mental health services for the Black community. As we confront these dire challenges, it is crucial to amplify the voices of those affected and advocate for systemic changes. Only then can we hope to reverse the troubling trends and foster a future where mental health care is accessible, equitable, and effective for all. References
