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Headline: Increasing Rates of Youth Suicide Spark Community Response
LaOneda Carpenter’s advocacy for mental health awareness emerged from her personal tragedy when her 12-year-old daughter, Mariah, died by suicide. In a heartfelt commitment to honor Mariah’s memory, Carpenter published the book Mariah’s Voice in December 2017. This act marked the beginning of her journey across Mississippi, Alabama, and beyond, as she shared Mariah’s story to raise awareness about suicide and mental health challenges facing youth today.
“It is a feeling that you will never get over… now there are more parents burying kids than children burying parents. It wasn’t designed that way,” Carpenter reflected on her loss.
A Growing Epidemic
The United States is facing an alarming trend: rising suicide rates among preteens. Data from the National Institute of Mental Health indicates a significant increase in suicide rates among U.S. preteens between 2001 and 2022. Specifically, suicide was the 11th leading cause of death among female preteens from 2001 to 2007 but rose to the 5th leading cause between 2008 and 2022. Dr. Arielle Sheftall, an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, points out the stigma surrounding mental health discussions complicates prevention efforts. “It’s hard to talk about, but the more we don’t talk about it, the more we can’t prevent it,” she stated.
Among the contributing factors, studies suggest that while adolescents’ suicides may correlate with depression, preteen suicides often relate to Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The American Psychiatric Association describes ADHD as a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity needing acknowledgment in mental health education.
Compelling evidence shows a worrying 30% of females in the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey considered attempting suicide, marking an almost 60% increase over the past decade. The Congressional Black Caucus has recognized these escalating mental health issues in the Black community, leading to a task force established in 2019, titled Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America, which is now in the research stages.
Mariah’s Legacy
Mariah Carpenter’s experience with cyberbullying, self-harm, and her mother’s subsequent discovery of unfinished suicide notes sheds light on the silent struggles many youth face. “A lot of people don’t like it when I tell Mariah’s story, but God gave me this platform, and I’m going to continue to work it until I can’t anymore,” Carpenter said. Through her efforts, she strives for prevention and intervention, fostering open discussions around mental health.
The Mississippi Museum of Art recently spotlighted Mariah’s story, showing the impact of addressing mental health through film and community discussion.
Community Efforts Toward Prevention
Carpenter emphasizes the need for mental health education in schools, stating, “Mental health should be taught as part of the curriculum.” Annual community conferences are also vital for sharing knowledge and promoting awareness around mental health issues.
Sheftall’s current research project aims to understand the factors influencing suicidal behavior among 6–11-year-old at-risk youth. This study will consider emotional regulation, family dynamics, school connectedness, and neurocognitive functioning, providing vital data for community educational strategies.
Dr. Michael Nadorff from Mississippi State University also advocates for integrated, multi-source perspectives when addressing youth mental health, acknowledging that “it takes a village to put the pieces together.”
Implementing Effective Mentorship Programs
The Quitman School District (QSD) has implemented the Connect program aimed at grades three through eight to combat issues related to mental health and bullying. Superintendent Dr. Minnie Dace and retired educator Daisy McKenzie oversee this initiative, connecting students with community mentors to promote social skills and emotional support.
Volunteer mentors, like Detra McCarty from the nonprofit A Community of Caring Christians, guide youth in conversations about self-esteem, coping strategies, and personal accountability. Success stories abound; McCarty describes a shy young lady encouraged to break social barriers, ultimately leading to enhanced self-worth and behavior.
“This program has been a blessing to them,” McCarty stated, noting improvements in behavior, grades, and overall student well-being.
Meanwhile, Carpenter’s ongoing mission through Mariah’s Voice continues to resonate as she champions youth to find their voices. “They have a voice, and they have a choice, and suicide is not the one,” she concluded, signaling the importance of sustained community efforts in addressing this profound issue.
Your Voice Matters
As communities band together to combat this pressing issue, the urgency for open dialogue and proactive strategies remains critical. Readers are encouraged to engage with the topic, share their thoughts, and continue the conversation around mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Join the dialogue and be part of a solution that honors every young life.
How can parents and educators identify early warning signs of mental health struggles in children and adolescents?
Welcome to World Today News! Today, we’re joined by two extraordinary guests, LaOneda Carpenter and Dr. Arielle Sheftall, who are dedicated to discussing the increasing rates of youth suicide and the community response to this growing epidemic. Thank you both for joining us today.
LaOneda, as a mother who experienced the devastating loss of her child to suicide, you’ve become an advocate for mental health awareness. Can you share with our readers how this journey began and what motivates you to continue working towards preventing other families from experiencing the same pain?
LaOneda Carpenter: Thank you for having me. My journey as an advocate for mental health awareness began after the death of my daughter Mariah. She was only 12 years old when she took her life, and it was a complete shock to our family. In my grief, I found comfort in writing a book called “Mariah’s Voice,” which shares her story and the importance of mental health awareness. Since then, I’ve traveled across Mississippi, Alabama, and beyond, speaking to anyone who will listen about the struggles youth face today with mental health challenges and suicide. It’s not just about preventing suicide; it’s about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and creating a safe space for young people to talk about their feelings without fear of judgment. I know that sharing Mariah’s story will help save lives, and that’s what keeps me going.
Dr. Sheftall, as an associate professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, what factors do you believe contribute to the alarming increase in suicide rates among preteens? Are there any specific groups more at risk than others?
Dr. Arielle Sheftall: Thank you for having me. Suicide is a complex issue, and there are many factors that contribute to it, including mental illness, environmental stressors, and access to means. Recent studies have shown that suicidal behavior tends to cluster in families, meaning that if one family member attempts or dies by suicide, other members are at an increased risk. We also know that ADHD is highly correlated with suicide attempts among preteens, particularly among girls. However, it’s important to note that girls who experience depression are also at a higher risk for attempting suic
