The battles within us are most often the hardest ones to fight. Black women go through life having to be the backbones, shoulders to cry on, nurturers, and the womb that houses the comfort of others. We are not allotted the opportunity to be weak because strength supersedes our need to truly sit in our discomfort. Mental Health in the black community has been brushed under the rug for decades. In order to heal a community, we have to individually start with ourselves.
Below we’ve highlighted 4 books that promote mental health awareness, authored by black women.
- Im Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying: Essays by Bassey Ikpi: If you’ve ever been a fan of Def Poetry Jam then you’re familiar with Bassey Ikpi. Her poetry resonated through your soul and left you yearning for more. Her story will do the same! On stage, she exuded confidence, certainty, and power but off- Bassey suffered from Bi-Polar II disorder. The title is a telltale to the facades that we portray not only to others but to ourselves. How often have you told yourself “I’m ok” but in reality you were not?! I’m Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying: Essays takes us through Bassey’s journey of thriving in the spotlight, suffering in the dark, and navigating your way to healing.
“Bassey didn't just write a book, she performed a service. She provided a safe space. She preached to a congregation. She taught a class. She left all of herself on the page.“
- Willow Weep for Me: A Black Woman’s Journey Through Depression by Meri Nana-Ama Danquah: Black, Female, and depressed living in a society where “black people don’t need therapy”. Meri’s story speaks of overcoming and thriving. She proves that though we may suffer in silence there is, indeed, a light at the end of the tunnel.
“This was an eye-opening book and it helped me to realize that I don't have to wear the superwoman mask. It inspired me to be brave enough, to be honest about my own emotions and vulnerabilities! Black women and men should read this book, and everybody else should too! Dispel the myths!”
- Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman’s Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear by Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett: You know that “thing” that keeps you up at night, the one that has you overeating or downing margaritas every day to wash away that “feeling”?! Dr. Angela guides you through identifying the problem and provides the methods to overcome them.
“In my family, many of the women speak about their "nerves" instead of anxiety or depression. This book is refreshing, timely, and a great resource for helping cope with the twins, anxiety, and depression. It is freeing and speaks like. It encourages one to cope and hope.”
- The Stress Management Workbook: De-stress in 10 Minutes or Less by Dr. Ruth C. White Ph.D., MPH, MSW: We all needed this book like yesterday! Whether you’re an entrepreneur, work a 9-5, a stay-at-home mom, or whatever- we all get stressed and we push through our days without taking the time to disconnect and regroup. Dr. White explains how to do just that with simple activities that help to restore balance.
“This book is perfect! So many great ideas with various lengths of activities- 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, through 1 hour. VERY helpful because if one activity doesn't particularly "work" for a person there are many others to select from. Great resource!’”
If you’re the strong friend- you don’t have to be! And if you have a strong friend- share the wealth. Shop our Liberate apparel and let’s do this mental health thing together!
