Increase Of Suicide Rates In Black Communities

By Hanna Blankenship

A recent study by the CDC found that while the overall suicide rate in the U.S. has decreased, the rate among black communities has increased. As this year started, the tragic death of two prominent, successful, African-Americans (former Miss USA and activist Chelsie Kryst and Regina King’s musician and songwriter son Ian King Jr. ) reminded everyone of the growing problem in black communities-suicide

What factors increase suicide rates in black communities?

Increased exposure and anxiety related to racism and anti-blackness spurred by George Floyd’s murder
Prominent community-wide violence, exposure to violence, and resulting trauma as a result of socioeconomic factors cause African Americans to experience higher rates of poverty, homelessness, and violence that can cause other mental health concerns
Increased pressure to achieve or appear as if one achieved an “Instagram-worthy” life as a result of significant social media usage
Community-wide stigma and myths about mental health that discourage one from seeking mental health treatment or support
Misdiagnoses of mental health conditions in youth as behavioral problems as a result of bias at the hands of providers

Vermont Perspective:

BIPOC students are more likely to feel sad or hopeless (34% vs 30%), make a suicide plan (17% vs 13%), or attempt suicide (10% vs 6%) than their white counterparts.

The rate of BIPOC suicide death rates has increased from 3.6 for a 3-year average to 8.6 in 2022 alone as of August.

While BIPOC Vermonters make up a small percentage of the population, as of August 2022, the rate of emergency department visits for suicidal ideation and self-directed violence was 335.1 for BIPOC Vermonters compared to 226.9 for white non-Hispanic.