I was asked my thoughts on Stephen tWitch Boss’ death. He chose to end his life for reasons we may never know. My first thought was of the immense sadness, pain, and hopelessness he must have felt. I, then, thought of the pain his mother is feeling now that her beautiful and talented child has ended his life. His wife and kids, I’m sure, are devastated.
Seeing a Black man die my his own hands saddens me. It makes me wonder what pressures he felt, what demons he battled, what thoughts took him to a dark abyss of no return. tWitch previously spoke of dealing with depression and anxiety. People don’t choose depression or anxiety. Those are medical conditions resulting from chemical imbalances in the brain and often need the help of medical and licensed professionals not the pseudo medical folks on social media. Thoughts and prayers aren’t always enough to help our people who suffer with depression and anxiety.
Mistakenly, many Black men are given the impression that seeking help for depression makes them seem weak. As a stated earlier, I don’t know what was going on with tWitch, but I do see how hard it is for Black men in our society. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is 12th leading cause of death in the US. In 2020, 45, 979 Americans died by suicide, and there were an estimated 1.20M suicide attempts. The suicide rate is higher among men. Firearms accounted for 52.83% of all suicide deaths.
Check on your friends. Be prepared to listen to them vent. Offer a shoulder, a couch, a hug. The day before tWitch’s death he posted a video of himself dancing. A lot of times we see the best of others on social media and not their pain and struggles. So many times, Black men will smile with sadness in their eyes. I hope and pray we can see others with our hearts and feel them, really feel them.
If you, a friend, or family member is in crisis, call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741.
Pamela Bowles is a contributor to the Converted Heart CME Church. Ms. Bowles is a mother, daughter and educator in the State of Georgia School System.
Pastor Darryl A. Burton Sr.
Church Office Telephone: 240-360-0977
