A recent Johns Hopkins University analysis of CDC data reveals that in 2022 the gun suicide rate for Black teens surpassed that of white teens for the first time and the suicide rate for Black kids and teens has tripled over the past two decades. “Whether it be racism, discrimination…kids are struggling across so many different domains and then in addition to that there’s bullying,” said Dr. Christine Crawford, NAMI associate medical director, in a taped on-camera interview. Dr. Crawford said many Black students are facing more stressors and they may not have all the necessary tools to cope with them. Crawford believes this process starts at home. “Prioritizing conversations around mental health is a matter of safety and quite frankly it’s a matter of your children’s life,” said Crawford.
