More US black teens are attempting suicide: ‘We still believe it’s a white thing’

According to a new study, suicides among African American teenagers increased greatly from 2001 to 2017 for both males and females. The pressures teenagers have always faced, such as searching for acceptance or dealing with bullying, don’t end with the school day anymore, counsellors said. — Dreamstime/TNS

RALEIGH, North Carolina: Destiny Ivey knew something was up as soon as she got the text. Her friend had sent a message with just her mom’s phone number.

“You just kind of know your friends, and you know when something’s wrong,” Ivey said.