Suicide Among African Americans: Reflections and a call to Action

This paper discusses some of the historical issues related to mental health care & African Americans. It suggests that sociocultural contexts are significant developmental shapers in the lives of African Americans. Several theoretical perspectives on suicide are presented, & Durkheim’s concept of fatalism is used in helping to unravel the dynamics of suicide. Issues related to the mental health system as currently used by African Americans conclude the discussion, along with a brief list of help resources. (60 refs)