ACTOR LEE THOMPSON YOUNG FOUND DEAD AT 29, APPARENT SUICIDE

Lee Thompson Young, who starred in Disney’s “The Famous Jett Jackson” and most-recently in TNT’s “Rizzoli & Isles,” committed suicide, his manager told FOX411. He was 29.

The South Carolina native got his big break when he starred as the title character in “The Famous Jett Jackson” from 1998 to 2001. He then appeared in the Disney flick “Johnny Tsunami.” Young also appeared on the TV shows “Smallville” and “Scrubs.” He played detective Barry Frost on “Rizzoli & Isles.”

Young’s body was discovered by his landlord, according to TMZ, after his co-stars from “Rizzoli & Isles” requested someone check in on the actor when he did not show up for work.

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Lee Thompson Young  on set of "Rizolli & Isles"

"Everyone at Rizzoli & Isles is devastated by the news of the passing of Lee Thompson Young," a rep for the show said in statement. "We are beyond heartbroken at the loss of this sweet, gentle, good-hearted, intelligent man. He was truly a member of our family. Lee will be cherished and remembered by all who knew and loved him, both on- and offscreen, for his positive energy, infectious smile and soulful grace. We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to his family, to his friends and, most especially, to his beloved mother."

Law enforcement officials told FOX411 they could not yet comment on Young's death.

“It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning," longtime manager Jonathan Baruch said in a statement. “Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed.  We ask that you please respect the privacy of his family and friends as this very difficult time.” [FOX NEWS]
So many African-Americans believe that suicide is a "white person's issue", but research is proving this theory to be wrong with suicide rates in the black community on the rise, especially among young black men. Due to our religious upbringing, blacks are taught to rely on God, pray, and everything will be okay. We are made to believe that those who seek professional help are weak, but that couldn't be further from the truth. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death among African-American males between the ages of 15-24, coming behind homicide and accidents. Also, suicide death rates of black men are five times that of black women.

Here are some facts about mental health and African-Americans:

• Poverty level affects mental health status. African-Americans living below the poverty level, as compared to those over twice the poverty level, are four times more likely to report psychological distress.
• African-Americans are 30 percent more likely to report having serious psychological distress than whites.
• Whites are more than twice as likely to receive antidepressant prescription treatments as Blacks.
• However, the suicide rate for African-Americans is generally lower than that of the white population.
• A report from the U.S. Surgeon General found that from 1980 to 1995, the suicide rate among African-Americans ages 10 to 14 increased 233 percent, as compared to 120 percent of whites.

So what is the driving force by these suicides which are taking promising young men such as Freddy E., and others from this world?

Some researchers believe that environmental stressors play a factor. In a 2008 article about this issue, The Root.com reported:

Young black males live in some of the most-difficult circumstances in our society; the data show that black men go to jail, drop out of school and are victims of crime at rates far higher than their white counterparts. Moreover, young black males are more likely to live in more challenging family environments. Sixty-eight percent of all black households are single-parent households — pointing to an absence of male role models for young boys.

The combination of family stress, violence in their communities and the discrimination they face is taking a toll. Some mental health specialists argue that the rates may even be higher. Dr. Alvin Poussaint, a professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, says that "death-by-cop" incidents should be counted as suicides. He believes that some despondent young men intentionally break the law so someone else will kill them.

According to WebMD, here are some warning signs that someone is contemplating on committing suicide:

• Always talking or thinking about death
• Clinical depression — deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating — that gets worse
• Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death such as driving fast or running red lights
• Losing interest in things one used to care about
• Making comments about being hopeless, helpless or worthless
• Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will
• Saying things like "it would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"
• Sudden, unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy
• Talking about suicide or killing one's self
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

Anyone who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very seriously, and you should not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. Call 800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433) or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) — or the deaf hotline at 800-799-4889.