Perhaps the “mystery” was depression Sources close to Young claim that he suffered from it for months leading to his death.
Young isn’t alone. Over the past few years, we have lost a number of Black men to suicide: Soul Train’s Don Cornelious, Capital Steez, Freddy E, Violator Management founder Chris Lighty and Kansas City Chiefs player Jovan Belcher.
And yet, this issue isn’t often talked about. But what more do we need as a community to start taking this issue seriously
How long are we going to keep labeling mental health issues as The Other Person problem?”
The unwillingness to discuss & acknowledge mental health has become another unfortunate hurdle especially given that the data is clear that suicide rates are on the rise.
Meanwhile, Black men are least likely to access mental health services. Why?
Poor access to quality health care/counseling is a major factor to why seeking early detection is a nonpriority. Another barrier is the cultural stigma that states no need for therapy / medication for
religiosity will make a way.
“Man up!”
“Real men don’t cry.”
“Showing emotion makes you soft.”
“Being vulnerable makes you weak.”
These types of attitudes continue to help foster a culture of silence that allows for Black men to sit and suffer alone.
There's a greater need to begin serious dialog where people are able to express themselves, be vulnerable & speak about the pain.