Minorities and Suicide

[Sahara]

I don't think the numbers are increasing, but more records are being kept about it. Many people of color are deciding that 'keeping it in the family' is NOT going to help them, so they go and get therapy.

One of the bad things about a depressed person is that not only do they have the burden of their own problems, but they feel alone with it. People don't just keep it in the family, they keep it locked inside themselves. They provide clues, but they may be missed. Even if the clues are picked up on, loved ones who don't know what to do try not to address the problem. They may have the best of intentions (not wanting to bring up negative feelings), but the depressed person just feels more isolated.

Also, many people in our communities (acquaintances, classmates, etc.) just aren't compassionate! My friends and I often comment about how we have come across tooooo many people who are just plain mean for no reason at all. Someone who is already feeling worthless and depressed does not need to be surrounded by such people, especially not to reach out to.

I remember a classmate committed suicide and when it was announced in school, some people made stupid comments about her because she wasn't popular. Family members of another girl who committed suicide kept trying to keep the manner of her death secret so that THEY wouldn't feel embarrassed.