MediaTakeout is reporting that the 27-year old daughter of Stevie Wonder (Takiyah) attempted suicide recently. It appears that the suicide attempt was related to some relationship problems that the woman was having with her boyfriend, Robert. The point here is not to dwell on the misfortune of a family tragedy. MediaTakeout is a gossip website, and we all know that some sites may not have reliable information. But that doesn't mean that there isn't something to talk about.

Before the alleged suicide attempt, Takiyah sent some strange messages out on her Twitter account:

To everyone that screwed me in life, you've finally won. I can't take it anymore – I'm done. You won't have to hear from me again

Sorry to the friends and family that did love me. I just took something that will have me gone for good. Finally no more pain

Reports are that Takiyah did not die. She has been hospitalized and is recovering from the incident.

As someone who once contemplated suicide as a teenager, I personally saw this as a teaching and learning moment about black depression and suicide within our communities. So, I spoke to someone who knows this topic well: Dr. Alicia Taylor-McLaughlin is an expert on counseling and mental health. She offers her thoughts for those who are considering suicide and/or know others who might be thinking about ending it all.

In the audio interview (below), we discuss the following:

- How the black community may be in denial on issues related to mental health and depression.

- The difference between passive vs. active suicide attempts.

- How the loss of a loved one can invoke an episode of depression (Takiyah's mother died almost exactly 5 years ago today).

- Where you can get help if you or a loved one is considering suicide.

Take a listen by clicking here!

Dr. Boyce Watkins is a Syracuse University professor. For more information, please visit www.BoyceWatkins.org. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered directly to your e-mail, please click here.