Today's episode discusses suicide, grief, and mental health in young people and adults. If you are someone you love is in crisis, please call or text nine eight eight to reach the suicide and crisis lifeline. This conversation may be emotional, but it could also be life saving. Now, before I even get into today's episode, I need to tell you that I'm heavy. I'm not speaking to you today just as a physician. I'm speaking to you as a father. As someone who has personally felt the heartbreak of watching young lives full of brilliance, beauty and promise, leave us too soon. This episode is not easy, but it's necessary. We're talking about suicide and mental health, not as a

statistic, Not As a headline, but as a reality that has touched too many of us far too closely. Recently, we lost Kyren Lacey, a wide receiver for the LSU Tigers Just a few years ago, we lost Arlana Miller, a brilliant, vibrant cheerleader at Southern University. A student I knew personally, a spirit I felt, and a loss that shook us all. She would've walked across the stage. this May, graduating from Southern University and A&M College here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. These aren't just names. These are our children, our students, our future. This episode is for the parents, the teachers, the coaches, the students, the leaders, the neighbors. It's for anyone who has ever said, "but they seem fine yesterday", and found themselves drowning in questions today. Let's talk about suicide not in whispers, but in truth. Let's start with what the numbers tell us because behind every number is a face. According to the CDC, suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults, ages 10 to 24. But what's deeply alarming is the rise among black youth. Over the past two decades, suicide rates among black children, ages five to 12 have nearly doubled. Black boys between ages 10 and 19 are now more likely to die by suicide than their white peers and black women, particularly between the ages of 18 and 30; reporting higher rates of suicide ideation, often without support due to stigma and a lack of cultural competent care. And let's not forget, our elders, the highest suicide rate in America are found in white men age 85 and older. This is not just a race problem. This is not just a youth problem. This is a human problem, but if we don't name the disparities, we can't close the gaps. Why is this happening? Mental health doesn't exist in a vacuum. It's impacted by trauma, isolation, social media pressures, untreated depression, anxiety, bullying, discrimination, financial stress, and yes, access to firearms. But in the black community, we carry extra weight. The stigma around therapy, a historical distrust in healthcare, and a generational pressure to be strong even when we're breaking inside. And here's something we have to say out loud the phrase, I hate, that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. That is one of the worst statements that I've ever heard, because for someone in that moment, their pain isn't temporary. It is everything. It's overwhelming. It's unshakeable. They don't see a way out, so let's refrain from it. Suicide ends the chance to feel joy again, to heal, to rise. The problem might not feel temporary, but hope can still grow there. That's what we must hold onto. Suicide isn't about weakness, it's about hopelessness. And that's why our response must be rooted in compassion, not cliches. So here are some signs that we cannot ignore, talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or trapped, withdrawing from friends, family and activities, changes in sleep or appetite, giving away your possessions, increased drug or alcohol use, sudden mood swings or behavior changes. Loss of interest in school, sports or goals, a decline in appearance or performance. And sometimes, unfortunately, there are no obvious signs, which is why we have to normalize regular check-ins, open conversations, and mental health support before the crisis hits. If you see someone struggling, don't wait. Ask them directly. Are you thinking about hurting yourself? Asking does not plant the idea. It opens the door for truth. So how can you support someone in crisis? Listen without judgment. Remove access to lethal means. Help connect them to professional help immediately stay with them if they are in crisis and follow up consistently. And please don't miss their pain with, "you have so much to live for" or "just pray about it". Prayer has power, and I'm a praying man, but so does therapy, so does medication. So does professional care. Faith and therapy are not enemies. They are allies. And if you're the one struggling and don't know how to ask for help, here's some ways to start. "I'm not okay. I don't know how to fix it". "I've been thinking about hurting myself". "Hey, can we talk? I don't feel safe alone". You don't have to have perfect words. Just start. Text a friend, call a hotline, walk into a clinic, dm someone. Saying something is always better than saying nothing. We need systemic change, but it starts with personal commitment. Culturally competent mental health professionals, school-based mental health services. Peer support groups and safe spaces. Faith leaders trained to recognize mental health struggles, outreach programs, and barbershops, gyms, churches and campuses. Mental health checkups should be as normal as a physical exam. Therapy should be as normal as a dentist appointment. It is okay not to be okay. those are the powerful words. Left by Princeton Malbrue, a Louisiana State University student athlete whose TikTok message touched countless hearts after Kyren's passing. And I want you to know I spoke personally with Arlana's mother, Ms. Janice Miller. She gave her blessing for us to continue speaking Arlana's name and sharing her story. She continues herself to educate families about suicide prevention through the Arlana J Miller Memorial Scholarship Fund at Southern University. In her 19 years, Arlana was a scholar an athlete and an encourager. Her smile lit up the room. Her compassion lifted friends, her legacy lives on helping future cheerleaders pursue their dreams. Arlana, we miss you and we love you. As we remember Kyren Lacey and Arlana Miller, we don't just mourn, we move, we talk, we build, we act, and we wrap our arms around the next young person who seems fine, but may be fighting invisible battles. To the Lacey and Miller families, and to the countless other families who have lost someone to suicide; your loss is our loss. Your pain is ours to carry with you. Your children mattered and they still matter. And if you're listening right now and you're struggling, please hear me. Your life has value. Help is here. Hope is real. You are needed. Your light is needed. Your story is not over. Before I leave, I wanna share some powerful resources that you can use. 9, 8, 8. Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call 9 8 8 or text 9, 8 8 if you're in crisis. The Crisis text line. Text H-E-L-L-O. Hello to 7 4 1 7 4 1 Black Men Heal at blackmenheal.org. The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation Therapy for Black Girls at therapyforblackgirls.com Therapy for Black Men at therapyforblackmen.org The stevefund.org National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI.org locally, reach out to your university counseling centers if you're in school, your community health clinics, or your primary care provider. The book I'm recommending for this month is Rest in Power, the Enduring Life of Trayvon Martin. A reminder that even when tragedy strikes purpose can rise, the song I would like you to listen to this month is Ummi Says, by Mos Def, because even when the night feels endless, you are called to shine your light. thank you for listening. I'm praying for you all. Join us every Sunday for a new episode of The Remedy with Dr. Rani Whitfield. you can find me at www.h2doc.com, Spotify, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your audio fix. And remember, we are born looking like our parents, but we die looking like our decisions. Let's make better ones together. And remember, if you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact a licensed mental health provider or call 9 8 8.

The content on the Remedy with Dr. Rani Whitfield is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance. Dr. Rani Whitfield is a licensed family physician, but the information provided on this podcast should not replace professional medical consultation.