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Saving Our Future: Suicide Amongst African
American Youth
At one time, suicide was relatively rare among black teenagers.
However, a study from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) revealed
that over the last two decades, the suicide rate has increased significantly.
According to the CDC, although the suicide rate for white youth
is still higher than African American youth, the rate of suicide
for African Americans is rising much faster. From 1980 to 1994,
the suicide rate for whites, ages 15 to 19 went up to 22%, while
the rate for 15 to 19 year old African Americans increased by 146%.
What's more disturbing, the National Institute of Mental Health's
1999 survey revealed that approximately 20% of high school students
have seriously considered suicide and that girls are more susceptible
than boys. There are common issues that increase the rate of suicide
incidents among African American youth and they consist of major
depression or psychiatric illness, a sense of alienation or a feeling
of not being wanted or having a place in society. The above combinations
coupled with alcohol and or weapons can potentially create a suicide
victim.
WARNING SIGNS OF TEEN DEPRESSION:
- Changes in appetite (gaining or losing weight)
- Mood changes (sadness, irritability)
- Loss of interest in sports, social activities and/or
hobbies
- School Difficulties (decline in grades or difficulty
focusing in class)
- Self- criticism
- Changes in sleeping Patterns (sleeping too much
or restlessness)
- Frequent agitation or fatigue
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