Don't do it Andre!!!: Black People do struggle with suicidal ideation?

 

Empire is coming back this Wednesday September 23^rd and I am super excited to see how everything unfolds.  As we approach this new season,  I, Dr. Rosché, a licensed clinical psychologist, recall the many important and real issues that arose this past season. 

 

In particular with the oldest son Andre who is struggling with a very serious mental illness, Bipolar disorder.  As part of this disorder, a person can have a manic episode or depressive episode, or even a mixed episode where they experience both the manic and depressive states.  The depressive state can bring about feelings of hopelessness, sense of worthlessness, and a sense of no longer wanting to be alive because things seem to never change.   The diagnosis of bipolar carries a lot with it including an increased risk of suicide.

Sometimes as African Americans we can believe that suicide doesn't impact our community but there is a rise of suicide attempts and completion within the African American community.  “According to the American Association of Suicidology, in 2005, 1,992 suicides were completed by African-Americans and that suicide was the third leading cause of death among African-American youth.  The Centers for Disease Control reported that between 1999 and 2004, young African-American males had the highest rate of suicide (Blackdoctor.org).” 

We see these feelings creep up as Andre begins to discuss with his father how he feels less valued out of the sons because he does not share the family talent of singing.  Often our minds can play tricks on us and make us forget about all of the other ways we are important.  Clearly, Luscious wouldn't have had the type of success he had without the aid of his son's determination, intelligence that combined book smarts and street smarts in protecting his father.  Even though he has many great strengths in his time of depression his negative self talk becomes more salient as a reminder of how he feels he doesn’t compare to others in his family.  These depressive thoughts are common among all people.  

Have you ever felt you were not enough? Ever wish you had more talents? Ever feel others would be better off without me? Ever feel that life is unfair? Ever believed you were worthless? Ever felt like a failure? Ever felt unloved? Unaccepted? Rejected? Lonely? Hopeless? 

These are common cognitive distortions that maintain our feeling of hopelessness and can be worse if suffering from the symptoms of mental disorders such as Bipolar.  Many times in order to relieve this suffering and pain a person will consider that “ending it all” through the means of suicide is the only way to stop the emotional feelings.  It is highly likely that females will use more passive means of suicide such as overdosing on pills while males choose more lethal measures such as Andre did through using a gun.  Once we are in a very low place it can be difficult to undo some of this negative thinking but IT CAN BE DONE!  You can get better with HELP!!  

Before, During, or After one of these depressive episodes take some effort to undo your negative self talk. 

Be Mindful of your thoughts

Examine the evidence

Challenge your negative thinking

Get support from family and friends

Overall Seek Professional Help

Say Affirmations to Change Your Thinking

I am Alive, I am Important, and I am Changing!!

~Bishop Keith Clark

** If you feel you or someone you know may be at risk for suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or go to your local emergency room immediately. **

Check Out other Blogs like OMG You are so Bipolar, Change Your Thinking, Don't Do It Andre,
Empire Therapy is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, or psychotherapy.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding any health symptom.  

 If you are in the Bay Area, you can contact

Dr. Rosché at 510-629-9362

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