Suicide Among African Americans Today Essay Example

individuals over many years.According to D. from the Harvard Medical School, there has been a doubling in black men's suicide rate since 1980, causing it to become the third most prevalent cause of death among those aged 15-24. Poussaint suggests that psychologists and psychiatrists should regard such behavior as depression or suicide, as they would with any other person who is feeling down or suicidal. Poussaint also experienced losing his brother to heroin addiction, which he views as a progressive form of self-destruction. African Americans may present physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches accompanied by feelings of sadness when expressing their depression.

Doctor Poussaint emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the distinctive aspects of mental health in black Americans. Due to the limited number of African American psychiatrists, which only accounts for 2.3% of all psychiatrists in the United States, they may not seek professional help. Amy underscores that it is crucial to integrate culturally sensitive training into standard mental healthcare education to tackle mentally related issues that can be treated with medication or talk therapy. The suicide rate among black men rose from nearly 4 to almost 8 deaths per 100,000 individuals from 1980-1995.

Black males aged 15 to 24 have made suicide the third most common cause of death, but it is a subject that remains unspoken. Although it affects all communities throughout the country, the social taboo surrounding suicide is particularly potent in black circles. Psychiatrist Alvin Poussaint from Harvard suggests that this stigma is compounded by the association of depression with disgrace within African American culture.

According to Dr. Poussaint, over 60% of black individuals do not view depression as a mental illness,

resulting in lower chances of seeking assistance for the issue. This mentality can be linked back to the emergence of blues music as an avenue for conveying anguish and suffering. The cultural background has led to depression being seen by black people as a regular aspect of existence instead of a medical problem necessitating treatment. Furthermore, resilience after years of subjugation has become a matter of pride in the community, causing vulnerability rather than genuine health concerns to be associated with depression.

According to Dr. Poussaint, raising public awareness is crucial as an initial measure to help prevent illness and suicide. This involves discussing and gaining knowledge about these issues. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of educating individuals on how to recognize warning signs of suicide such as irritability, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, headaches, stomachaches, prolonged pervasive sadness, spontaneous crying, social withdrawal, and loss of interest in once pleasurable activities.

In addition to depression, Poussaint addresses "slow suicide" behaviors such as drug and alcohol addiction, gang involvement, and other risky activities. The consequences of suicidal behavior or suicide itself can have severe impacts on those close to the individual who may obsess over the cause of death, attempt to conceal it, feel culpable for their inability to prevent it, face rejection from the deceased person, and encounter social stigma.

Individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide often experience a variety of emotions, such as intense sorrow, powerlessness, and an overwhelming desire for the deceased. These conflicting feelings are a result of the fact that the person being grieved was both victim and perpetrator of their own demise. The effects of self-destructive behavior on family

and friends can be catastrophic, causing those close to them to grapple with comprehending why it occurred while simultaneously feeling compelled to hide or overlook the cause of death. This may lead to self-blame for not preventing it or feeling rejected by their loved one and stigmatized by society.

Survivors of loved ones who have committed suicide often experience complicated grief, which can manifest in intense emotions and desires to be with the deceased, intrusive thoughts, social isolation, avoidance of triggers, sleep disturbances, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Suicide can be caused by various life circumstances such as sudden mood changes or discharge from psychiatric care. Possible triggers for suicidal behavior include perceived or actual loss such as breakups, relocation, death (especially suicide) of a friend, and loss of freedom or privileges.

Almost 60% of annual suicide deaths are accomplished through the use of firearms, with older individuals more likely to choose this method over younger people. Occasionally, an individual will use a fake or inoperable weapon to threaten police officers in order to initiate "suicide by cop."

Although firearms are the most common method, medication overdose is attempted more frequently for suicide. Rates of suicide risk factors and protective measures vary by ethnicity in the US, with non-Hispanic whites and Native Americans having higher rates compared to non-Hispanic blacks, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics who have lower rates. Eastern European countries report the highest global suicide rates while South America has relatively lower rates. Geographically, those residing in rural areas or western regions of the US face a higher suicide risk when compared to individuals living in more urban or eastern regions.

Although women have

a higher rate of suicide attempts globally, men tend to complete the act more frequently, particularly in the spring. Elderly Caucasian males exhibit the highest suicide rates despite an overall increase in young adult suicides. Risk factors for suicidal behavior consist of mental illness, low income, unemployment, being unmarried, a history of physical or sexual abuse, and previous accounts of suicidal thoughts or behaviors or family history of suicide attempts. Mental illnesses such as manic depression, depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders and severe anxiety amplify the likelihood of both attempting and completing suicide. Physical illness was discovered in up to 75% of individuals who committed suicide while over 90% were diagnosed with a mental health concern.

Self-harm and aggression towards oneself or others are closely associated with suicide attempts and completions. Nevertheless, the likelihood of an individual committing suicide can be decreased by factors like having a robust social support system, being free from mental illness or substance abuse, and being a mother with children under 18 years old - which offers protection against suicide. Some warning signs that someone may be considering suicide include preparing to tie up loose ends, making a will, sudden mood changes, obtaining tools for self-harm such as ropes, guns or medications, and visiting loved ones unexpectedly for what might be their last time. It is important to note that many individuals who take their own lives do not share their intentions with mental health specialists but rather confide in those close to them.

Individuals who take their own lives often experience intense anxiety, which can result in several symptoms like excessive drinking, insomnia, severe restlessness, a lack of pleasure

or interest in activities, feelings of despair and constant thoughts about the possibility of something terrible happening. To avoid impulsive suicidal behavior, mental health experts suggest eliminating potential instruments such as firearms, drugs, knives or any other deadly objects. A thorough assessment of the person's emotional and psychological wellbeing is necessary that includes evaluating their family's history with mental health issues and various emotional disorders. Practitioners usually ask about previous or current thoughts of suicide as well as intentions and plans along with past suicide attempts. They also investigate the circumstances surrounding the attempt to determine how dangerous it was and what outcome resulted from it. Additionally, any relevant history related to violent behavior may be assessed.

During a mental health evaluation, professionals often explore a person's current circumstances, including recent stressors (such as family problems or the end of a relationship) and access to weapons, as well as sources of support. Treatment history and the person's response to treatment are also evaluated. Suicide risk can be assessed using an assessment scale like the SAD PERSONS Scale, which identifies risk factors such as depression, previous suicide attempts, and lack of social support. Treatment for those who attempt suicide is tailored to the individual's needs and those with good social supports and a desire to resolve conflicts may only require brief crisis intervention.

Individuals who have previously attempted suicide, have demonstrated a strong desire to end their life, exhibit signs of severe depression or other mental illness, struggle with substance abuse or impulsive behavior, or have resistant families may require psychiatric hospitalization and ongoing mental health services. After a hospital stay, suicide prevention measures usually involve mental health

professionals implementing a holistic outpatient treatment plan. This step is critical, given the low compliance rate for post-hospitalization therapy. It is advisable to remove all firearms from the home to prevent access, even if properly secured.

One recommendation for reducing the risk of suicide is to secure potentially lethal medication following a suicide attempt, while also addressing the underlying psychiatric disorder. Although making a contract with the individual promising not to commit suicide has not been effective in preventing suicidal behavior, it can assist in assessing risk by indicating intent if the person refuses to comply. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment option for individuals experiencing self-harm ideation and talk therapy focused on understanding the relationship between thoughts and behaviors has shown success. Furthermore, school programs offering education on risk factors, symptoms, and ways to manage suicidal thoughts have proven successful in decreasing reported teen suicide attempts.

Addressing severe emotional problems that lead to suicidal behavior should be a priority for mental health experts, despite concerns about the potential increase in suicide attempts associated with antidepressant usage. Research indicates that appropriate treatment can reduce completed suicides and supports the effectiveness of combining medication with psychotherapy to treat teenage depression. Additionally, there are concerns that the decrease in antidepressant prescriptions following FDA warning labels may have contributed to an 18.2% rise in youth suicides across the US between 2003 and 2004 after a decade-long decline.

To decrease the likelihood of suicide, mood-stabilizing drugs like Lithobid and Clozaril can be used to address extreme anxiety and abnormal thinking. Those experiencing suicidal thoughts are urged to seek help from a medical professional, mental health crisis center or spiritual advisor.

Individuals who have previously had these thoughts should maintain a list of contacts if feelings resurface and take steps to prevent self-harm such as entrusting medication storage to someone else and eliminating weapons from their residence. It is also advisable to engage in daily stress-relieving activities, avoid isolation by connecting with others socially, document emotions (including positive ones), and refrain from drug or alcohol use.

Dealing with the aftermath of a loved one's suicide can be an especially difficult and overwhelming experience. In addition to coping with the typical feelings of loss and grief, individuals may also struggle with intense guilt over their perceived inability to prevent the tragedy. This sense of sadness can be compounded by existing feelings of shame or regret related to past conflicts within family or friendship circles. As a result, those grieving in this situation may find themselves consumed by an ongoing search for answers while simultaneously attempting to keep the circumstances surrounding the death hidden from others. They may question their own role in preventing this outcome, assign blame for any prior issues, and suffer from social stigma and rejection.

There are several self-help techniques that can be employed to deal with the suicide of a loved one. These include staying engaged with others to avoid isolation, joining a support group or keeping a journal to share the experience, finding ways to manage painful memories triggered by other life experiences, recognizing that recovery involves both good and bad days, and not feeling pressured to move on. It is crucial for individuals who have experienced suicide loss to prioritize their recovery. Coping strategies vary from person to person, and there are many

suggestions worth considering. Those grieving should take care of themselves by consuming nutritious food and getting adequate rest. The Center for Journal Therapy offers helpful advice on how journaling can effectively assist with bereavement rather than simply stirring up distressing emotions.

Encouraging journal writing without strict rules, some suggested ideas include limiting daily journaling time to 15 minutes to avoid exacerbating grief and identifying feelings to track one's grief process. Additionally, imagining one's life a year from the suicide date can be helpful. To support children and adolescents coping with the suicide of a loved one, consistent caretaking and interaction with supportive adults are crucial. These individuals should also be reassured that they are not responsible for their loved one's suicide to mitigate self-blame and anger. For school-aged and older children, participating in school, social, and extracurricular activities can aid in successful grief resolution.

Future research should address accurately assessing suicide risk, while balancing the use of psychiatric medication to prevent suicide. To help adolescents cope with a loved one's suicide, prioritizing positive relationships with peers and family is more useful than seeking formal support like school counselors. Techniques for coping with loss include healthy habits such as eating well and getting enough rest, speaking with others, finding ways to manage painful memories, recognizing that emotional states will fluctuate and avoiding pressure to grieve on someone else's timeline. Survivors should prioritize their own needs in the grieving process.

The key to helping children and adolescents deal with the suicide of someone close to them is to provide them with ongoing care, regular contact with encouraging adults, and a comprehension of their emotions that is appropriate for their age.