The Black Youth Mental Health Crisis in North Carolina

The mental health crisis impacting Black youth in North Carolina demands our immediate and unwavering attention. Across the state, alarming rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts among Black children and young adults paint a distressing reality—one that reflects a nationwide trend but hits home with particular urgency here.

Black youth aged 10 to 24 are increasingly appearing in emergency rooms due to suicidal ideation and self-harm. Suicide has tragically become one of the leading causes of death among Black teenagers in North Carolina, revealing the depth of the crisis we face.

Challenges Contributing to the Crisis

Several complex factors contribute to this pressing issue. First, healthcare access is fraught with challenges: many Black families encounter gaps in insurance coverage and a severe shortage of mental health providers who are culturally competent and genuinely understand their lived experiences. Second, cultural stigma often silences conversations about mental health. For many Black families, discussing feelings can be perceived as weakness, and mental health struggles are sometimes misattributed to a lack of faith or prayer. Third, resource availability and awareness remain insufficient, as many do not know where to find help, and the healthcare system’s complexity can feel discouragingly labyrinthine.

Despite these barriers, mental health resources that could offer vital support often go underutilized—misunderstood or distrusted. This leads to a critical question: why is there hesitation among many Black families to seek out these services?

Understanding Hesitation to Seek Help

The answer is multilayered. Deep-rooted stigma and mistrust toward medical systems, shaped by historical trauma from events like Tuskegee and ongoing systemic racism, build a protective wall of skepticism. Combined with cultural norms advocating self-reliance and spiritual perseverance, these factors create significant barriers to openly addressing mental health.

Generational divides also play a significant role. Older adults, such as grandparents, may regard mental health treatment—like therapy or medication—with suspicion or discomfort because these concepts were rarely discussed in their youth. Such views can clash with the needs of younger generations who require contemporary mental health support.

Moreover, the lack of culturally competent care is profoundly detrimental. When mental health providers fail to appreciate the unique challenges Black youth face—including trauma, faith, and community dynamics—therapy can feel alienating rather than healing. This gap often drives families away from seeking further care.

North Carolina’s Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan

Recognizing the urgency of this crisis, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) launched the Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan in 2025. Unlike a disconnected bureaucratic initiative, this plan was developed collaboratively with Black community leaders, young people, parents, and grandparents—ensuring the strategies are culturally relevant and community-driven.

Key components of the plan include:

• Culturally grounded programs that amplify Black voices and lived experiences.
• Peer and family support networks that foster safe spaces for sharing and healing.
• Education and awareness campaigns spreading mental health literacy through schools, churches, and community centers.
• Expanded access to crisis services like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and BlackLine, a hotline tailored to the needs of Black callers.
• Efforts to reduce risk factors through trauma-informed care, enhancing family bonds, and safer environments.
• The establishment of the Community of Practice and Education (COPE), a digital hub for organizations to exchange knowledge and strategies.

Partnerships with institutions such as UNC’s Suicide Prevention Institute and grassroots organizations like the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) strengthen this focused response, ensuring research-backed and community-rooted interventions.

How Parents and Grandparents Can Make a Difference

Parents and grandparents are pivotal in this fight. While systemic changes unfold, they can act immediately by:

1. Initiating open, honest conversations about emotions and mental health to normalize these critical discussions.
2. Recognizing warning signs of distress such as withdrawal, irritability, or expressions of hopelessness and seeking timely help.
3. Building supportive networks that include mentors, trusted adults, church groups, and community programs.
4. Finding culturally competent mental health professionals who truly understand Black youth’s realities.
5. Introducing youth to crisis resources like 988 and BlackLine without stigma, keeping these lifelines accessible and known.
6. Practicing self-care themselves to maintain the strength required for sustained caregiving.

Leading Organizations and Resources

Organizations like BEAM, the Jed Foundation, UNC’s Suicide Prevention Institute, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention stand at the forefront of advocacy and education, providing workshops, toolkits, and resources designed specifically for Black communities.

This mental health crisis is more than alarming statistics; it is a call to action for Black families and communities to unite, support, and uplift our youth with culturally respectful care and compassionate dialogue.

North Carolina’s collaborative approach offers a hopeful blueprint—one where Black children and young adults can feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued. It’s time to confront this crisis head-on with courage, care, and commitment.

Immediate Support Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential assistance.
• BEAM Get Help Now: https://beam.community/get-help-now/
• NC Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/nc-black-youth-suicide-prevention-action-plan/open
• Jed Foundation Family Help: https://jedfoundation.org/resource/getting-mental-health-support-in-black-families/

Mental health conversations may challenge us, but the resilience of Black youth deserves nothing less than our boldness and unwavering support. Together, we can foster a legacy of healing and hope. Let’s get to work.