Mental Health

The Mental Health Crisis Facing Black Teens: A Growing Concern with Deep Roots

Recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights a troubling trend: escalating rates of mental illness among adolescents since 2010, with suicide now ranking among the top three leading causes of death for children aged 15 to 19. Alarmingly, the rates of suicide among Black teens have skyrocketed by 144 percent between 2007 and 2020. Despite this, news coverage often overlooks developments specific to Black youth suicide, a gap that underscores the urgent need for targeted attention and resources.

The Stigma of Seeking Mental Health Treatment

Within Black families, a significant barrier to addressing mental health issues is the stigma associated with seeking treatment. This stigma is deeply ingrained, passed down through generations, and rooted in historical oppression dating back to slavery. Black families have traditionally been taught to exhibit strength and avoid showing vulnerability, a paradox where avoiding emotional wounds is seen as strength but actually hinders liberation. This cultural pressure can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need, perpetuating a cycle of silence and suffering.

Moreover, Black teens face additional challenges such as unrealistic beauty standards and financial pressures, often exacerbated by social media. These pressures can contribute to mental health struggles, yet the stigma around seeking help remains a formidable obstacle.

The Role of Black Churches in Mental Health Support

In response to the mental health crisis, programs like the Thrive initiative at First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem aim to provide teens with the vocabulary and tools needed to navigate their mental health. These programs focus on helping teens identify emotions, establish healthy boundaries, and articulate their feelings. For instance, one teenager in the Thrive program learned to set boundaries with a friend around money, boosting her confidence and self-acceptance.

Dr. Green, a key figure in the church's mental health efforts, has been credited with saving a teenager's life by providing her with hope and something to look forward to in the future. Participants in the program, like Gabriel Dorvil, have reported gaining valuable insights about themselves and others, underscoring the program's positive impact.

The Thrive program, part of a national pilot initiative designed by clinical psychology professor Sherry Molock from George Washington University, focuses on four pillars: kinship, guidance, purpose, and balance. Churches like First Corinthian Baptist are crucial in this effort, as they are trusted institutions within the Black community that can help reduce the stigma around mental health challenges and suicide.

Challenges and Solutions in Addressing Black Teen Mental Health

The current political and racial climate in the United States, including actions during the Trump administration, poses challenges to suicide prevention efforts for Black teens. The program at First Corinthian Baptist Church, for example, receives no federal funding, raising concerns about its sustainability. Despite these challenges, the church began providing mental health services after receiving nearly 10 calls a week from individuals seeking help, highlighting the dire need for such support.

Research has shown that Black teens are 10 percent more likely to report experiencing severe psychological distress compared to their white counterparts. Yet, only one in three Black teens with mental health issues receive treatment, compared to one in two white teens. This disparity is compounded by systemic barriers and stigma, which limit access to mental health services for Black teens.

Black teens are also more likely to experience traumatic events such as violence, discrimination, and poverty, contributing to mental health issues. These experiences can lead to higher rates of suicide attempts among Black teens compared to white teens.

The Path Forward: Normalizing Mental Health Conversations

Normalizing conversations about mental health is crucial in preventing suicide among Black teens. Programs like those at First Corinthian Baptist Church focus on promoting kindness, purpose, and healthy living, including discussions on topics like healthy eating, to improve mental health outcomes. Black churches participating in pilot programs to reduce suicide risk are part of a broader effort to empower teens with the tools and support they need.

Janelle Davis, a 16-year-old who experienced dark thoughts about self-harm, found solace in working with a social worker at the church. Her story is a testament to the importance of such programs in providing hope and guidance for vulnerable teens.

As research continues to explore the impact of mental health initiatives at trusted institutions like Black churches, it is clear that addressing the mental health crisis among Black teens requires a multifaceted approach. By reducing stigma, increasing access to services, and fostering supportive communities, there is hope for a brighter future for these young individuals.