September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to discuss emotional pain, recognize warning signs, and remind people that seeking help is an act of courage. This observance is especially important in the African American community, where suicide was once incorrectly viewed as a problem that rarely affected us.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate among Black Americans increased 25.2 percent between 2018 and 2023. The rate rose from 7.3 to 9.1 deaths per 100,000 people. Increases affected several generations. Rates rose 29.4 percent among Black people ages 10 to 24, 29.2 percent among those ages 25 to 44, and 17.4 percent among those ages 45 to 64.
Although the Black suicide rate remains lower than rates among White and Native American populations, the rapid increase is a serious warning. It tells us that something is changing within our families and communities.
There is no single cause of suicide. Emotional distress may develop through a combination of loneliness, depression, grief, trauma, discrimination, chronic illness, relationship problems, financial pressure, substance use, or access to firearms. A person may also struggle during a major life transition, including retirement, divorce, the death of a loved one, losing a job, moving, or watching a business decline.Economic hardship can deepen feelings of fear and hopelessness. During an economic downturn, people may face layoffs, eviction, debt, food insecurity, or the loss of health insurance. Some Black adults also carry the responsibility of helping children, aging parents, extended family members, employees, or church communities. The person everyone depends upon may believe that admitting distress will disappoint those who see them as strong.
The holiday season can make these feelings more visible. Images of joyful families, expensive gifts, decorated homes, and crowded celebrations may intensify grief or loneliness. However, the common belief that suicides peak during the holidays is not supported by national data. December has often recorded one of the lowest monthly suicide rates. This does not mean holiday loneliness is imaginary. It means we should avoid repeating a myth while still checking on people who feel isolated.
Stigma can prevent honest conversations. Faith remains an important source of strength, but prayer and professional treatment do not have to compete. A person can speak with a pastor, counselor, doctor, trusted elder, or crisis specialist. Churches can help by welcoming qualified mental health professionals and teaching members that depression is not proof of weak faith.
Warning signs may include talking about wanting to die, feeling like a burden, expressing hopelessness, giving away possessions, withdrawing from loved ones, increasing alcohol or drug use, displaying extreme mood changes, or suddenly appearing calm after severe distress. Changes in sleeping, eating, personal care, school performance, or work attendance may also signal a problem.
If you are concerned, ask directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking this question does not place the idea in someone’s mind. It can open the door to an honest and lifesaving conversation. Listen without judgment, stay with the person, reduce access to dangerous items when it is safe, and connect the person with immediate assistance.
Prevention also happens before a crisis. Regular phone calls, invitations, affordable counseling, stable housing, employment assistance, mentoring, and community spaces can restore connection and hope. We should check on the quiet teenager, recently divorced father, grieving mother, unemployed worker, overwhelmed business owner, and elder living alone.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Help is confidential and available 24 hours a day. If there is immediate danger, call 911. Silence protects the crisis. Conversation, connection, and compassionate action can protect a life.
