It’s now well known that the pandemic spurred a rise in mental health issues, especially among young people. But there’s a particularly alarming pattern among Black teens and adolescents that predates the coronavirus — a rise in suicides. A study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that from 2013 to 2019 the suicide rate went up 47% for Black males between the ages of 15 to 24. It was up 59% for Black females in the same age group.
Deirdre Allette Asiema knows the pain of it all too well. Her son, Darren Clark Jr., died by suicide five years ago, just weeks after his 24th birthday. She has dedicated her life to helping others who are suffering, as well as their family, friends.
