The suicide death of Stephen “tWitch” Boss last week shocked and heartbroken millions. It is also a sad and poignant reminder that many people struggle with mental health challenges, often in silence.
The acclaimed dancer, choreographer, actor and producer has worked on hit TV series ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, as well as high-profile films and ‘Step Up All In’. See shows like ‘Magic Mike XXL’, Disney’s ‘Fairy Tale Wedding’ and ‘Modern Family’. The 40-year-old Boss leaves behind his wife Alison Holker-Boss and her three children, Zaia, Maddox and Wesley.
“The tragedy of Boss’s death brings visibility and attention to mental health and suicide, subjects that are difficult to talk about, especially within communities of color, especially among black Americans. San Diego Equity, People Seed Justice Bureau.
“Members of the black community are at increased risk of developing mental health problems due to a number of historical, economic, social and political factors. [that systemically expose Blacks to factors known to be damaging to psychological and physical health]Many people are not connecting to the mental health services they need,” Strong added.
The stats are amazing.
“Studies show that black men experiencing feelings of anxiety and depression are about half as likely to seek counseling than their non-black peers,” said the county health and human services agency. Dr. Luke Bergman, Director of Health Services, said.
In 2019, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that suicide was the leading cause of death among African Americans ages 15 to 24, with black men dying four times as often as black women. You are also more likely to experience symptoms such as:
- According to the National Institute for Minority Health and Inequality, African Americans are 20 percent more likely than other racial groups to experience severe emotional distress, such as major depressive disorder.
- Black people are more likely than white people to experience persistent symptoms of emotional distress, according to the Minority Health Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Between 2015 and 2018, the incidence of major depressive disorder among young black adults aged 18 to 25 increased by more than 3%, but substance abuse and substance abuse showed that Black Americans were less likely than white Americans to seek treatment. Mental Health Services Management.
Psychologists and other behavioral problem professionals have made great strides toward developing more customized programming to support the mental health of black men in particular, but there is still much work to be done. Dr. Howard Stevenson, director of the Racial Empowerment Community at the University of Pennsylvania and a national expert on racial stress and racial trauma, has perhaps spoken about this best.
“We should focus more on understanding the circumstances in which black men already feel comfortable talking about their emotions and trauma than on whether they will resist treatment. If you can find a treatment that accommodates, understands, and embraces the uniqueness of your differences, you are more likely to use their services.
mental health treatment available
“Mental health conditions are highly stigmatized and sometimes even seen as personal weakness and lack of morals,” Bergman said. “And persistent stigma around behavioral and mental health issues can make it difficult for people to seek and get help. can do.”
It is important to recognize that everyone reacts to suicide differently and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to coping when tragedy strikes.
It’s also important to remember that suicide is preventable and that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of suicide.
These steps may include:
If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988 or 888-724-7240 and talk to an experienced counselor. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
More information and resources:
Mental Health Resources for Black Men
Mental Health Resources for the BIPOC Community
Resources to support your mental health while on vacation
