Detroit’s faith-based community is helping address the escalating mental health crisis among Black youth. Experts say mental health challenges have increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, exposure to social media and systemic inequities. 

The latest report from the U.S. Office of Minority Health shows suicide is the third leading cause of death among African Americans ages 10-24. For Detroit’s faith-based community, the church is a safe haven where young people can talk openly and access intergenerational support. 

For Mental Health Awareness Month, host Stephen Henderson leads a discussion with Bishop Mbiyu Chui ofShrine of the Black Madonna, Rev. Jonathan Betts Fields of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, and Karra Thomas of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), as part of American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series. They talk about how faith-based organizations can serve as critical support systems for young people battling anxiety, depression and isolation. 

The discussion also highlights how parental involvement, faith-based youth programs, and community dialogue can build resilience and reduce stigma. Through efforts like Detroit-Wayne Integrated Health Network’s Interfaith-Based Collaborative, Detroit’s Black churches are connecting youth to culturally competent mental health services.