Suicide Among African American Men Research Paper

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Pages: 5
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Suicide Among African American Men
Shawnna Guyden
Tarleton State University

Abstract
Keywords: suicide, African American, suicidal thoughts

Suicide Among African American Men
Suicide is a growing and powerful problem in the world today. Just four years ago, suicide was the seventh leading cause of death in men in the United States; and the 16th leading cause in American women. It is not fully understood the difficulty of suicide, including the basis for the gender disparity in suicidal behavior. For this reason, it is particularly tough to develop successful prevention programs that can address and tackle the high rates of suicide, specifically in African American men. Studies have shown that numerous African American psychologists …show more content…
People, who contemplate suicide, typically feel as though life situations are virtually impossible to overcome. Many ultimately feel that there is no hope for the future and feel that suicide is the only option. A study was done in 2000 that concluded that the risk of suicide among Black males was highest for the 20 to 24 age group and 25 to 34 years of age (Gary, Yarrandi, & Scruggs, 2003).
Risk Factors
Suicide affects people of all ages, genders and in a wide range of geographical locations. Depression, mental illness, including bipolar disorder, childhood disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and people with a history of psychiatric treatment are also factors of suicide among African Americans. The most important risk factor of suicide is depression; however, just because a person is depressed does not imply that a person will commit suicide.
Treatment and Prevention
In an effort to lower the numbers of suicide among African American males, preventive interventions must also be an integral part of the process (Joe & Kaplan, 2001). Many communities have established crisis centers and hotlines that provide support for individuals who are stressed and depressed and are contemplating suicide. Crisis centers and hotlines serve as a measure of suicide prevention. Although crisis centers are made available, research has found that the centers are valuable, but outstanding and serious question remain about impact the …show more content…
Psychotherapy can address several underlying problems that set the stage for a person’s suicidal or depressed behavior. One of the most effective therapies is cognitive behavior therapy. The cognitive behavior therapy leads to a significant drop in suicidal behavior. While cognitive behavior therapy is good treatment for depressed individual, it is far from ideal for many in the African American community. Instead of seeking psychological help from a trained therapist, African Americans tend to receive help from the church. Further, in order for the African American community to withstand the health crisis of suicide, the problem has to be addressed by implementing innovative platforms and wellness across primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention levels in which the Black community can afford (Hatter & Wright,
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