Real Men Feel: Ep. 152, Suicide Risk Factors with Dr. Lulu

Suicide Risk Factors with Dr. Lulu Episode 152, October 15, 2019

Dr. Uchenna Umeh or “Dr. Lulu” as she is fondly known by her patients is a board-certified Pediatrician, Teen Expert and National Keynote Speaker with nearly three decades of clinical experience. As a Momatrician, author, speaker, activist, and podcaster Dr. Lulu, joins us to talk about depression, suicide, stigma, and the challenges African American men and boys face.

“We don’t need to have a mental illness to be suicidal.” ~ Dr. Lulu

Dr. Lulu is a doctor like no other I’ve met. She quit a lucrative position because she wanted the time to speak at schools about suicide prevention, and she opened a new medical practice focusing on at-risk youth. She limits herself to six patients a day and sees them for 90-minute appointments, not 9-minutes like most doctors I’ve experienced.

She shares from her heart the fear she has for her children and for all African American children. This was a very moving episode of Real Men Feel to be a part of.

A new study shows that suicide attempts among black children and teens are rising faster than other groups.

If you are contemplating suicide, please reach out for help. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text to 741741. Outside of the US, get more numbers here.

Topics and Questions Include:

(2:00) The importance of talking about suicide.
(3:15) Talking to the right person.
(4:30) Crisis text line: 741741
(5:55) Dr. Lulu’s period of suicidal ideation.
(8:50) You can be suicidal without having any mental illness.
(10:20) The biggest risk factors for suicide.
(12:50) Temporary pain triggering a permanent escape.
(15:05) The highest risk factor for suicide completion.
(16:30) What prompted the creation of your podcast; Suicide Pages with Dr. Lulu?
(21:51) As a physician, are you seeing a rise in depression and/or suicide attempts?
(23:39) You have a specific focus for your practice – what is that?
(24:56) You refer to yourself as a Momatrician — what do you mean by that?
(25:42) Are the risks of suicide greater for African Americans?
(28:16) African American males taught to believe that they don’t feel pain.
(31:18) Shame and stigma around suicide.
(32:45) How we are creating angry men.
(34:07) Trayvon Martin is a part of Dr. Lulu’s household.
(36:12) Black children being seen as threats.
(40:50) Do your boys have the concerns and fears that you do?
(43:58) Andy’s experience visiting Africa.
(52:05) Are things getting better or worse?
(55:16) What can someone do if they are feeling suicidal?
(57:46) The bravest thing anyone can do.
(59:01) What can someone who has a friend or family member who is suicidal do for them?