This past month, I spent a lot of time reflecting on the fact that it has been 10 years since my suicide attempt.
I thought about how I could have missed out watching my nieces and nephews grow up, how I would have missed the election of the first black U.S. President, and how I would have missed walking into a newly renovated King Edward Hotel for the Best of Jackson party. Just when I was being grateful about still being alive, I hear about Don Cornelius, creator of Soul Train, who shot himself to death this morning. The linked story ends with a brief mention of his three-year probation for domestic violence and recent health issues. Based on that information, I think there was something going on with him psychologically that he did not deal with, and I have a good idea why.
It is time for the black community to stop the stigma associated with treatment for mental illness. Getting help does not make you "less of a man" or whatever the case may be, and suicide isn't just a "white folks' thing." Yes, blacks commit suicide less frequently, but it is still the third leading cause of death for black youth, and most of them are male. Yes, Don Cornelius was 75, but also consider that most of the people who commit suicide are 65 or older, and that is regardless of race.
We need to support each other when it comes to mental issues, not just physical ones. Without that support, hopelessness reigns, and suicides will continue to increase.
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