[Image: Time.com]

In the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen the tragic loss by suicide of two high-profile young Black people: Ian Alexander, Jr., the 26-year-old son of actress Regina King, and the entertainment reporter, a former attorney, and Miss USA pageant winner Cheslie Kryst, 30. It makes us pause when those who seem to have so much going for them determine that suicide is the only option to escape their pain. But mental health challenges don’t discriminate. They can come for you no matter who you are, no matter how much you seem to have in your favor.

The mental health crisis among Black folks – whether they’re in the public eye or not – is an urgent matter that we cannot ignore. Suicide rates among Black youth have been on an alarming uptick for years, especially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. More people are struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma brought on by illness, loss, uncertainty, and more, and unfortunately, in our communities, there is still a stigma attached to getting support. We can’t keep “being strong” and white-knuckling our way through these difficult days.

If you are concerned about the safety of a loved one, or if you are having suicidal thoughts or experiencing depression, call 911 or find help through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (https://lnkd.in/e4yShMSW ).

For therapy and counseling support, check out one of these listings of clinicians nationwide.

Therapy for Black Girls https://lnkd.in/eQ7mvJ5g
Therapy for Black Men https://lnkd.in/eUW_H5bY
Clinicians of Color https://lnkd.in/ejAY9i2T
Psychology Today https://lnkd.in/eU8AsFZc
Good Therapy https://lnkd.in/eepuaMUp

Also, check with your employee assistance program and insurance plan for available resources. And consider getting trained in Mental Health First Aid, a free course that teaches about mental health and substance use issues and how to respond to someone in crisis. https://lnkd.in/eh-qJuBR

When tragedy happens to celebrities, it’s natural that it gets lots of public attention. Suicide is one of those topics that no one wants to talk about. I hope the wrenching loss of these two young lives helps us to be more willing to talk about hard things.