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Henrika McCoy, MSW, MJ, PhD
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Young people who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) or LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) are experiencing significant changes in their mental health status. Notably, LGBTQ+ youth have been shown to be more likely than their peers to have suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and Black and Hispanic youth have had an increase in suicidal ideation, attempts, and deaths. Young people in these communities have a heightened vulnerability, due to the unique challenges and stressors they often encounter, including discrimination, experience with or exposure to violence, societal bias, feeling a lack of belonging, and limited access to or availability of culturally responsive mental health support.
To address this critical concern, it is crucial that communities provide culturally specific resources, geared towards the needs and experiences of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth, which can help reduce the risk of suicidal ideation as well as suicide attempts and completion. Foremost, communities must address the elevated risk for suicide among BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. The first step is to acknowledge the unique challenges young people, in these and other marginalized communities, face by providing targeted assistance. The second step is to create, implement, and provide culturally sensitive services and supports, safe spaces, and relevant, tailored resources that are accessible and easily utilized. Accomplishing both steps can provide a strong foundation for working together to ensure that all young people can lead healthy and happy lives.
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