The morning of my interview, actually about an hour before, I learned that my aunt had been diagnosed with cancer. I still remember hearing the news and trying to make sense of it in my head and heart while getting ready for an interview. Yes, this is how this blog post is starting. Why? Because there was something special that happened in my interview that I remember to this day that strikes me as important - especially as I write this, having just attended her memorial services that were delayed so her family could make the trip from Asia.
My interview was conducted with Dr. West-Olatunji, Dr. West, and Jonae. The people I had listened to during training events and deeply respected were in a Zoom room with me. I was nervous and scared that I would not make a good impression. When I was asked how I was doing, I was honest and didn’t give the sterilized, polite, socially expected answer that is often expected of us in a more Eurocentric culture. That ingrained training to always put on a brave face and not be honest runs deep. We are constantly told to be doing and producing, always be perfect, and never show weakness or imperfection. It often feels as if humanity has become lost in the mix. This lack of connection and honesty has almost driven a wedge between humans.
Suicide Prevention
I would feel a bit remiss if I did not also write about suicide prevention during Suicide Prevention Month. Some of my work outside of being a student, and even as a student, has been in the realm of suicide prevention. Why do I bring this up? Because connection is an essential part of suicide prevention and in a world that seems like the actual connection is pushed away, we need to reclaim our ability to connect through a more culturally responsive and trauma-informed lens. In an article published by the PEW Charitable Trusts (article linked below), the data shows that the rates of suicide among Black youth between the ages of 10 and 19 have surpassed that of their White peers since 2022, which is an increase of 54% since 2018. They also share that the suicide rates for Black youth are increasing faster than other cultural groups. As important as statistics and data are, and I could provide so many different numbers, the piece that is even more important is that these numbers represent very real youth. Youth with so much to give and family, friends, caregivers, teachers, etc. that love and care about them. And each one of us has a role to play - whether you are a student, teacher, caregiver, or parent.
It’s Time to Connect and Bring in Culture
According to Meza et al. (2022), the historical risk factors that have long been connected with youth suicide may not be inclusive, representative, or relevant to youth from differing cultural backgrounds. Additionally, Meza et al. (2022) stated that much of the research has not taken into consideration the direct and indirect effects of race-related oppressive experiences like racial discrimination and racial trauma and their impact on suicidal behaviors. So then, what are we to do with his information? While there are many lessons we can take from this information, two will be highlighted in this blog post. First, we need to connect! School connectedness has the potential to reduce suicidal ideations and attempts in both female and male Black youth (Tomek et al., 2018). It’s time we connect, bringing me back to where this blog started and why connecting is essential. Second, we need to come from a culturally-informed lens when working with Black youth. There is a large gap between what research has advocated for regarding culturally relevant processes and what happens in clinical practice (Jones et al., 2020). This is something that anyone can change, especially students! We can advocate for our school programs to incorporate other theories, such as Afrocentric theories, into our programs and even take steps to learn them ourselves. Students are not powerless when using our voices to advocate for change.
Final Thoughts
When I shared what was happening with my aunt, Dr. West-Olatunji offered to reschedule the interview. That offer meant so much to me and continues to remain with me to this day. Sometimes, the simplest acts that seem innocuous can have the most significant impact and maybe even change someone’s life.
What’s Next?
Now it’s your turn! Think about a time when someone reached out to you. How did that feel? Then, think about when you reached out to someone who needed support. What was that experience like? Take some time to reflect on these experiences. Finally, also consider how, in some ways, being able to express one’s pain is not always an option because of safety reasons. What is one step that you could take to either help change the system you are in so that people feel safe expressing themselves or understand how you can be fully present for someone else and be that safe person?
Until next time!
Practical Tips and Suggestions
Below are many great resources. Take the time to review them. They are full of useful information. The CRESTSprogram training is excellent!
Work with other students at your school to organize a campaign or an event that helps others understand the importance of suicide prevention through the lens of culture. Remember, you have a voice that you can use.
References
Jones, S. C., Anderson, R. E., & Metzger, I. W. (2020). “Standing in the gap”: The continued importance of culturally competent therapeutic interventions for black youth. Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 5(3), 327-339.
Meza, J. I., Patel, K., & Bath, E. (2022). Black youth suicide crisis: Prevalence rates, review of risk and protective factors, and current evidence-based practices. Focus, 20(2), 197-203.
Tomek, S., Burton, S., Hooper, L. M., Bolland, A., & Bolland, J. (2018). Suicidality in Black American youth living in impoverished neighborhoods: Is school connectedness a protective factor?. School Mental Health, 10, 1-11.
留言