S2.E25. Changing The Narrative On Suicide In The Black Community w./ Donnita Hathaway (Daughter of Donnie Hathaway)

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself and/or ending your life, please immediately seek professional help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or Text GO to 741741 to reach a trained Crisis Counselor through Crisis Text Line, a global not-for-profit organization. Free, 24/7, confidential.

This year has been extremely difficult for all of us.  Let's face it, even those of us that are actively in therapy and seeking treatment for our mental health challenges, are struggling.  The combination of social isolation and racial trauma has all of us overwhelmed.  In this time of difficulty, it is important that Amerikan Therapy talk about suicide prevention.  Many of us are struggling in ways that may even have us contemplating the end of our own lives.  Regardless if you are having persistent thoughts of taking your own life, or you find these thoughts just creeping into your consciousness and then going away, please seek professional help immediately.  Suicide is a hard topic to discuss for any of us, but it's especially taboo in the black community.   Whether we know it or not, it is highly likely that someone close to us has had suicidal ideations and/or made an attempt on their life.  While we don't talk about suicide, it is still very present within the black community.  

Warning signs aren't always obvious, and they may vary from person to person. Some people make their intentions clear, while others keep suicidal thoughts and feelings secret.  Suicide warning signs or suicidal thoughts include:

Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I were dead" or "I wish I hadn't been born"Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pillsWithdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left aloneHaving mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the nextBeing preoccupied with death, dying or violenceFeeling trapped or hopeless about a situationIncreasing the use of alcohol or drugsChanging the normal routine, including eating or sleeping patternsDoing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklesslyGiving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there's no other logical explanation for doing thisSaying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen againDeveloping personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above

Donny Hathaway Legacy Project:
The Donny Hathaway Legacy Project is committed to shining a light on mental health and providing effective resources to aid in educating, acknowledging, and healing millions of us who suffer through the trials that we all face in life. Established by Donnita Hathaway, the youngest daughter of Mr. Hathaway, the Foundation was created to honor his rich musical legacy along with Mental Health & Wellness Awareness, Education, and Prevention.  To find out more visit @donnyhathawaylp

Suicide attempts by black teens are increasing, study says (CNN):

 https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/14/health/black-teen-suicide-attempts-study/index.html

Pandemic, racism compound worries about Black suicide rate (AP):

https://apnews.com/2a0c942b15bbd8843e1f5602b28d88f9

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