Suicide Attempts Are Rising Among Black Teens

Suicide attempts have been rising among black teenagers over the past 30 years, according to a new study from the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University.

Rates for white, Hispanic, Asian, and American Indian teens fell or remained the same during that same time period.

Dr. Michael Lindsey is the executive director of the McSilver Institute and the lead author on the study. He said black teenagers often get inadequate treatment for mental illness, if any at all.

"It's usually related to not wanting to be judged as weak or refusing to acknowledge mental illness symptoms. They may mistrust providers, preferring to address their problems within the family or peer network," Lindsey said. "But I think you also have to look at the larger macro issues like racism, in terms of micro-aggressions, or the continuous loop of seeing police-involved shootings with black individuals, or higher rates of poverty and higher rates of adverse childhood experiences," he added. "All of those factors could be at play."

Lindsey spoke about the study with WNYC's Richard Hake.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or might be considering suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.