Mental health includes mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being and plays an important part in everyone's overall health. It affects how people think, feel, and act. It also plays a role in how handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.
Silence the Shame(STS) recognizes the urgency of addressing mental health disparities, particularly in Black communities. Researchers have found that racial trauma is one of the reasons Black people in some communities have higher rates of PTSD (8.7%) compared to White people (7.4%). The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also declared racism a serious threat to public health, placing communities of color at greater risk for poor health outcomes. This underscores the importance of STS's work.
Suicide rates among Black youth have risen alarmingly in the past two decades, with suicide being the second leading cause of death in those aged 10–19 years. In the last two months, the CDC released additional information stating that Black suicide rates were up 36 percent (2018-2021). These statistics highlight the need for STS's initiatives, partnerships, and collaborations. Far too many young people are struggling with their mental health and unable to get the support they need.
Mental Health is Not a Luxury. It's a Priority.
You can help us advance our mission to continue to empower and educate communities on mental health and wellness. Get involved Today!
