SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) – A Louisiana task force has identified what officials are calling a crisis in suicide rates among young Black people, with new data showing a 71% increase in suicides among Black children under 18 over the past decade.

The Louisiana Suicide Prevention Among African Americans Task Force presented their findings at the Louisiana State Capitol, revealing that boys aged 5 to 12 are more likely to die by suicide than any other age group within the Black community.

“When I look at this data, for me, I see this as a crisis. You know, in my mind, this is a crisis,” a task force member said during a meeting held Friday, Jan. 16 in Baton Rouge.

Gender disparities in suicide rates

The study found significant gender disparities, with Black men dying by suicide four times more than Black women. While Louisiana has a slightly lower suicide rate than the national average, the state still shows high rates of suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts among the Black population.

Dr. Frampton Gwynette, a psychiatrist from LSU Health, identified multiple contributing factors to the high suicide rates, including violence, racial inequality, and family dysfunction. He emphasized that access to firearms greatly increases the risk.

“We know medically that firearms being available are an independent risk factor for dangerous outcomes such as suicide. So we should be mindful about securing those away,” Gwynette said.

Warning signs and resources

Dr. Gwynette said lack of energy, no longer enjoying life, and isolation from loved ones are symptoms of depression. While access to mental health resources can be a barrier for many people living in Louisiana, he said primary care doctors can help with symptoms of poor mental health.

He also recommended talking to a loved one or trusted adult as a way to address mental health concerns.

“That anyone who’s contemplating self-harm, that they are worthy, there’s always help out there, and that this world is better off with you in it,” Dr. Gwynette said.

The task force will submit its research findings to the Louisiana State Legislature in February, hoping to create new solutions to address the issue.

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