Mental health has been a trending term for the past few years. The more we learn about it, the more we seem to realize there’s a lot we still don’t know. Deciding whether you need a therapist or a life coach versus a psychologist or a psychiatrist; or even a combination of all four is daunting. And tackling mental health as a Black person is an even bigger challenge.
Sometimes we need practical resources to help us navigate achieving our optimal mental health in addition to a trusted therapist, life coach, psychologist or psychiatrist. What better time to tackle this mission than Mental Health Awareness Month? Thankfully there are a bevy of mental health podcasts and other digital resources to assist with our mental health maintenance. In addition to our preferred mental health care provider, traveling and finding the right community to tap into our Black joy, reading the right mental health books can be another accessible way to help get our minds right. We’ve rounded up seven from inspiring Black women who are all committed to improving the mental health of everyone in our community.
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve
by Rheeda Walker, PhD
For the person in your life who knows racism impacts our mental health and wants to understand why.
Available at Amazon
Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community
by Joy Harden Bradford, PhD
For your workaholic bestie, auntie, sister or Mom.
Available at Amazon
Bottled Up Inside: African American Teens and Depression
by Rose Jackson Beavers and Jermaine Alberty
For the hard-to-reach teenager or young adult in your village.
Available at Amazon
Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Women’s Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear
by Angela Neal-Barnett, PhD
For the sister in your life who is always on edge (So, basically all of us.)
Available at Amazon
Rest Is Resistance
by Trisha Hersey aka The Nap Bishop
For the overworked, rarely has time to pour into themselves person in your life (Also all of us.)
Available at Amazon
72 Hour Hold
by Bebe Moore Campbell
For the book lover who enjoys novels.
Available at Amazon
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times
by Michelle Obama
For anyone in your world who needs a push and healthy dose of old-fashioned wisdom.
Available at Amazon
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