In light of the death of Stephen “Twitch” Boss yesterday, I feel compelled to write about an increasing struggle for Black men.
Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects people of all genders, races, and ages. However, Black men in the United States face unique challenges that can increase their risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black men have the highest suicide rate among all racial and ethnic groups in the United States. In 2018, the suicide rate for Black men was 22.08 per 100,000, compared to the overall national rate of 14.23 per 100,000.

There are several reasons Black men may be at higher risk for suicide. For example, Black men are more likely to experience discrimination, poverty, and violence, all of which can profoundly impact mental health. Additionally, Black men may be less likely to seek help for mental health issues due to stigma and a lack of access to mental health services.

Furthermore, Black men may face additional challenges when seeking help for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. For instance, Black men may not be as comfortable talking about their feelings and may be more likely to bottle up their emotions, which can lead to a buildup of stress and feelings of isolation.

It is essential to recognize the unique challenges that Black men face regarding mental health and suicide. To address this issue, it is crucial to provide Black men with access to mental health services and support and to destigmatize mental health in the Black community. By doing so, we can help reduce the suicide rate among Black men and improve the overall mental health of this population.