Achieving mental health equity in Black male suicide prevention

Abstract

Despite a steady decrease in suicide rates in the United States, the rate among Black males has increased in recent decades. Moreover, suicide is now positioned as the third leading cause of death in this population, signaling a public health crisis. Enhancing the ability for future suicide prevention scholars to fully characterize and intervene on suicide risk factors is an emerging health equity priority, yet there is little empirical evidence to robustly investigate the alarming trends in Black male suicide. We present fundamental areas of expansion in suicide prevention research focused on establishing culturally responsive strategies to achieve mental health equity. Notably, we identify gaps in existing research and offer future recommendation to reduce suicide death among Black males. Our perspective aims to present important and innovative solutions for ensuring the inclusion of Black males in need of suicide prevention and intervention efforts.

Acceptability and Feasibility of a Smartphone-Based Real-Time Assessment of Suicide Among Black Men: Mixed Methods Pilot Study

“…Despite the promise of this methodology for the study and prevention of suicide [ 25 , 29 , 32 ], there has been no study, to date, that uses this approach to assess experiences among Black men at critical periods for early intervention [ 26 ]. Black men face daily societal and cultural stressors that may contribute to their heightened risk of suicide, including but not limited to, systemic and interpersonal racism, economic disparities, and limited access to mental health resources [ 8 , 33 , 34 ]. To address this gap, additional research is needed to clarify the efficacy of EMA monitoring as a suicide prevention tool for this at-risk population.…”