Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help you Deserveby Rheeda Walker Show Foreword by Na'im Akbar Published by: New Harbinger Publications Imprint: New Harbinger Publications 232 Pages, 6.00 x 9.00 x 0.51 in
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Jun 25, 2020 Kurtis rated it it was ok Cant recommended any book that looks to christianity as a source of strength
and liberation. That is the religion of the oppressors and colonisers. The slave masters used to whip slaves quoting verses from the bible but we'll just leave it at that. Some good takes and the message is important. Mental health for melanated people has additional layers and complications. I recommend looking to spirituality instead of any religion. Regain your true identity. The book is obviously geared more towards t Some good takes and the message is important. Mental health for melanated people has additional layers and complications. I recommend looking to spirituality instead of any religion. Regain your true identity. The book is obviously geared more towards the
mature african woman. As a young British African male, I felt like I wasn't included as much in the conversation.
"The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health" is an important work that highlights the mental health issues that people of African descent living in the US face and the impact it has on their lives. It also provides
"tools" that can be used to at least start addressing the problem. In the UK, Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with psychosis, find themselves in inpatient mental health services, or be detained under the Mental Health Act than White people. This makes the content of th In the UK, Black people are more likely to be diagnosed with psychosis, find themselves in inpatient mental health services, or be detained under the Mental Health Act than White people. This makes the content of this book relevant, to those of us living outside the US. Recommended reading.
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health , written by psychologist Dr.Rheeda Walker, is a resource that centres the Black experience to offer reflections,
inspiration and practical tools for mental wellbeing. Ironically, though the book was meant to offer a resource for Black folk struggling with mental health, I did not feel represented in this text. The audience for this book is very narrow, aimed specifically at Black Christian women in their forties living in the United States and stru Ironically, though the book was meant to offer a resource for Black folk struggling with mental health, I did not feel represented in this text. The audience for this book is very narrow, aimed specifically at Black Christian women in their forties living in the United States and struggling with anxiety and depression. Though there were a number of sections that I found
transferrable to my own experience, I can't help but wonder why the author didn't make the few small adjustments needed to make the text more inclusive of different Black experiences. Further, The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health relies heavily on faith and religion and reads more like a mental health resource I would get from my pastor than one I would I get from my therapist.
All I can say about this book is that it's a must read. If you are looking for ways to improve your mental health then this is a must read. All I can say about this book is that it's a must read. If you are looking for ways to improve your mental health then this is a must read. ...more
To be clear right from the get-go, as a white chick, I’m not the intended audience of The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Rheeda Walker. It’s written by a Black woman directed at Black people. However, it also
offers interesting cultural insights that are relevant to all audiences. The author explains that she did a Ph.D. in psychology because she wanted to challenge the privileged assumption that depression in Black people looks the same as in white people. Throughout the book, she g The author explains that she did a Ph.D. in psychology because she wanted to challenge the privileged assumption that depression in Black people looks the same as in white people. Throughout the book, she gives scenarios to illustrate the concepts covered. These are all explicitly tied into Black culture and the things that Black people are faced with. The
notion of improving psychological fortitude underpins the various topics covered. Early on, the book addresses the issue of suicide. Walker acknowledges that it’s a common belief among Black pastors that suicide is a white people issue, and Black people are seen as being too resilient for suicide. Racism and its effects come up often throughout the book. Walker gives suggestions on how how to distinguish between disordered anxiety and the very real worries that Black people face
because of racism and situations like the killing of Trayvon Martin. The author argues that assimilation won’t help, and can lead to the internalization of racist ideas. Her research has shown than Black people who don’t view their own Blackness in a positive light are at a higher risk for suicide. She suggests that psychological fortitude benefits the most from increasing connectedness with Black culture. She encourages embracing natural hair and African American Vernacular English
(you may be more familiar with the term Ebonics) as examples to promote reconnection. There’s a chapter devoted to faith, and the benefits in terms of both spirituality and connection to culture and community. The author makes it clear that talking to a pastor isn’t mental health care, and while you would pray to the Lord, “sometimes God sends a psychologist.” The book offers suggestions on how to support your child’s mental health, as well as support your own wellbeing as a parent.
There’s a chapter on therapy that covers how to access it, common misconceptions, and what therapy actually looks like. The author also covers some CBT-based coping tools. While I can’t directly speak to how well this book will connect with target audiences, I found that it was very well written and delivered an important message. I would definitely recommend it. I received a reviewer copy of this book from Netgalley. This review first appeared on
https://mentalhealthathome.org/2020/0...
After avoiding becoming more intentional about my mental health, this book was the perfect read to start the year. Mental health is an intimidating and sensitive topic as a black man. This book helped me unpack a lot of the generational “baggage” that goes undiscussed within our community. I was able to see how at times we contribute towards our own demise by delaying the professional help that we need. We naturally have become a people known to persist, but in doing so we have neglected what al After avoiding becoming more intentional about my mental health, this book was the perfect read to start the year. Mental health is an intimidating and sensitive topic as a black man. This book helped me unpack a lot of the generational “baggage” that goes undiscussed within our community. I was able to see how at times we contribute towards our own demise by delaying the professional help that we need. We naturally have become a people known to persist, but in doing so we have neglected what allows us to function at maximum capacity. Lastly, I was enamored by the variety of actionable items and terminology distributed which will help people take their first step of their mental health journey. Great read! ...more
As advertised, this book is a valuable guide for learning and emotional wellness. I had issues with a few of the sections as well as the way the book is laid out but I will talk about all of those below. A
large portion of the book, especially the first half, is spent identifying and discussing suicide, depression and the heavy toll of navigating in a racist society. It's a heavy read, I had to take it in chunks and then sometimes, take a break. And while all this information is important, this A large portion of the book, especially the first half, is spent identifying and discussing suicide, depression and the heavy toll of navigating in a racist society. It's a heavy read, I had to take it in chunks and then sometimes, take a break. And while all this information is important, this is where I wish the book for laid out a little differently. The book states that many of us have low psychological fortitude (PF), basically
meaning, a solid, healthy foundation to rely on and call upon while dealing with everything life throws at us. Especially for black people, who may believe they need to push through, do what needs to be done and just make it into the next day without giving enough thought and care for our physical and mental health and wellness. With this being the case, it would have been great to have the book broken up into sections of (for example) reading about depression and anxiety and then being offered
suggestions and tools to manage those feelings. It was difficult reading chapter after chapter of detailed injustices, stories of suicide and poor health and neglect without the mention of helpful tools or ways to better care for yourself within those same chapters. This kind of helpful information does appear in the book but not until the second section and really, not until Chapter 11. There are earlier chapters within the second half of the book that mean to be helpful but I had a real problem with several assumptions that were made. The author is very religious, specifically Baptist, and is often quoting the bible and referring to speaking with your preacher for help and guidance. But what if you aren't Baptists or even religious? My spirituality is important and a big part of who I am but I don't belong to a church and I know I'm not alone. The author also assumes the reader comes from a big family with grandmothers and auties to communicate with. I don't have this either. Yet my mental toughness, physical and mental health and wellbeing are still incredibly important to me. I do appreciate the difficult topics the author addresses and the tools provided in Chapter 11 are excellent. This book also helped me address what I recognize now as microaggressions that I didn't have the language and understanding of. I only knew I felt angry, sad and/or hurt. A lot is said about getting back to our roots, being proud of and learning about our African heritage and even, spending more time in black spaces, all of which I wholeheartedly agree with. I wish the book was a little more balanced out with discussing issues and offering real help you can apply in your daily life but overall, I do feel this is an important and needed read. Now and for the future. ...more
Feb 15, 2022 Key rated it liked it This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
It took me forever to complete the book funny enough it was because I was going through so much and could not dedicate my normal reading time. Nothing truly stuck out to me in all honesty. To say it was a guide it was truly very basic. To say that it was written from a health professional it was truly basic. I am not sure if I feel this way because I am in healthcare and I am personally going through turmoil. The book provided to ME basic
knowledge; the things that are a given we know that there Nothing truly stuck out to me in all honesty. To say it was a guide it was truly very basic. To say that it was written from a health professional it was truly basic. I am not sure if I feel this way because I am in healthcare and I am personally
going through turmoil. The book provided to ME basic knowledge; the things that are a given we know that there is a lack of black psychotherapists , we know we may have to see a therapist of another race. We know that our spiritual belief is NOT enough to cope with everyday stress. We understand the system is unequal buuuuut now what to do? I blame myself because I think I went into reading thinking that it would be a guide laid out for me to improve my mental health but I am already doing the
things in the book sooo now what. I gave it 3 stars because there maybe an individual that perhaps don't know or understand what to do when there psychological fortitude is low.
May 18, 2022 Melissa rated it it was amazing Am I the intended audience for this book? Nope. But when a
friend said this book is a must read for ALL people, I grabbed a copy from the library. Because I love reading books that I’m not the intended audience for, especially when they are about mental health. Like most mental health books, this one addressed lots of great specifics on how to get help, self-help, and even meds. But what this book did differently was it didn’t come from a place of whiteness being the norm (like many mental health But when a friend said this book is a must read for ALL people, I grabbed a copy from the library. Because I love reading books that I’m not the intended audience for, especially when they are about mental health. Like most mental health books, this one addressed lots of great specifics on how to get help, self-help, and even meds. But what this book did differently was it didn’t come from a place of
whiteness being the norm (like many mental health books). Instead it discussed culture, church, racism and history. I loved that this book didn’t sugarcoat anything. Walker came right out talking about suicide in the first chapter and citing stats about how the suicide rate is higher among Black children than white children. She discussed the stigma of discussing mental health in the Black community and she had two chapters focused on racism. While I think there is a wealth of
information here, I think for me those two chapters on racism were the ones I got the most from. And I totally agree with my friend, this is a must read for all. And it would make a great addition to your Mental Health Awareness Month TBR.
Jan 25, 2021 Dre J rated it liked it This was a decent read to me. It dealt with suicide a lot which was heavy. I lost a best friend to what they said was suicide so that may be heavy for another reader as well. She makes an interesting point about ptsd from somebody dying from suicide. That idea stuck with me. It seems her intent was to write about black people which she did in a lot of areas, but a lot of it seems like she was mostly focusing on black women (referring to the reader as a mom or sister) and that’s cool she’s a blac This was a decent read to me. It dealt with suicide a lot which was heavy. I lost a best friend to what they said was suicide so that may be heavy for another reader as well. She makes an interesting point about ptsd from somebody dying from suicide. That idea stuck with me. It seems her intent was to write about black people which she did in a lot of areas, but a lot of it seems like she was mostly focusing on black women (referring to the reader as a mom or sister) and that’s cool she’s a black woman and that’s where she’s an expert so I wasn’t able to relate to those areas, but still good info. She basically focuses on how we have dismissed mental health in the black community and tries to help us see how we have come to that and what we go through as people that affects it and how to overcome it. These book only work if you are receptive and at least try the practices. There’s a review that says they cannot recommend any books that looks to Christianity as a source of strength and liberation which she does talk about her Christianity and others spirituality. The reason it should not be looked at in that way is the same reasonings she gives in her book. Yes people have used the Bible to do horrible things over the years, but a sound mind knows that people that tarnish those words have nothing to do with the power of those words. I believe people can believe what they want, but don’t tarnish the Christian faith or Bible for what people have done and don’t put down a book that may impact somebody for that reason alone. We as a people have taken all of the bad that has been done and turned it around for good (the n word, Christianity, etc.) and that is the basic message of this book is to take all of the things that have affected our mental health as a culture and turn them into good. ...more
Jan 20, 2021 Brittany rated it it was amazing What a great read to start 2021 with! This book is written
in a friendly style and is so clearly Black, which is part of what makes it great. Walker uses her training in clinical psychology and her experiences as Black woman to highlight the unique ways in which mental health issues can arise in Black people and in how our community responds. The book centers around identifying, understanding, and working to strengthen your psychological fortitude. That said, this isn't a "self-help" book. Walke That said, this isn't a "self-help" book. Walker
offers some tips and tools but also strongly encourages people to seek out assistance from mental health professionals, from spiritual leaders, from their friends and community, etc. It's a polite nudge to seek out the resources you need to be healthy and well, not just muddling through or getting by.
Jun 18, 2022 Sophia rated it it was amazing The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health :-( This quote kept coming to me as I listened to this book, “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time. ” ― James Baldwin :-( This quote kept coming to me as I listened to this book, “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time. ” ― James Baldwin An unapologetic exploration of the Black mental health crisis—and a comprehensive road map to getting the care you deserve in an unequal system. We can't deny it any longer: there is a Black mental health crisis in our world today. Black people die at disproportionately high rates due to chronic illness, suffer from poverty, under-education, and the effects of racism. This book is an exploration of Black mental health in today's
world, the forces that have undermined mental health progress for African Americans, and what needs to happen for African Americans to heal psychological distress, find community, and undo years of stigma and marginalization in order to access effective mental health care. In The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health, psychologist and African American mental health expert Rheeda Walker offers important information on the mental health crisis in the Black community, how to combat
stigma, spot potential mental illness, how to practice emotional wellness, and how to get the best care possible in system steeped in racial bias. This breakthrough book will help you: Recognize mental and emotional health problems
Highly recommend this book. It was very informative and straight to the point.
Nov 24, 2021 Celeste rated it it was amazing Really enjoyed this book. It gave you some points on how to handle black mental health and also so parenting guide to dealing with the mental health of our children.
Aug 12, 2021 Antwion Dowell rated it really liked it This is an interesting read. The author touches on very sensitive topics that need to be addressed. I would suggest anyone read this book. There are many tools that can be gained in helping you navigate your Mental Fortitude.
Nov 21, 2020 Isayah rated it it was amazing Dr. Rheeda Walker, thank you for this amazing and revelatory guide
that has helped me tremendously as a young black man. This was everything needed and then some. The tool kit feels limitless now and also holds me accountable to stay in sync for what's to come for research and methods as it pertains to African Americans and others of colors in the Psychology field. Superbly recommend. Superbly recommend.
Jun 27, 2022 LT rated it really liked it Although I did not find relevance in a few minor portions (marriage, children, etc...), overall I found this book affirming and insightful. Dr. Walker's approach is very accessible and she explores mental health through the framing of empowerment. I recommend this book to anyone within the Black diaspora seeking ways to improve wellbeing. Although I did not find relevance in a few minor portions (marriage, children, etc...), overall I found this book affirming and insightful. Dr. Walker's approach is very accessible and she explores mental health through the framing of empowerment. I recommend this book to anyone within the Black diaspora seeking ways to improve wellbeing. ...more
Nov 04, 2020 Corey Burton rated it really liked it @dr.rheedawalker blessed me with this one!!
I love it when there's overlap with my experiences. So just two weeks ago, I purchased my first two Audre Lorde books. Then, as I am reading this one, Dr. Walker quotes Audre Lorde: "Caring for myself is not self indulgence, it is self preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." Pure goodness, but also validation of my purchase of 2 weeks ago. Then Dr. Walker follows that quote up with this goodness: "maintaining your mind will take aggress Then Dr. Walker follows that quote up with this goodness:
"maintaining your mind will take aggressive strategizing against rivals who would otherwise continue to keep your sanity from you. "Hope," as in "I hope things get better," will never be a strategy. One of the ways that you care for yourself is connecting with your spirit. Stop doing the things that everyone is expecting of you so you can nurture the real you." This is everything! The moment I prioritized me, my power grew exponentially! Find your peace...
Nov 11, 2021 Keesha rated it liked it This book acts a good resource and starting off point for mental health within
the black community and introduces the conversation very well. You can tell, at least initially, that the author put a lot of research into this and provided readers with the references of where the information came from. However, this book was geared more towards black women with families/ women from Baptist - Protestant faith. It starts of as mental health focused then transitions towards using your religious faith This book acts a good resource
and starting off point for mental health within the black community and introduces the conversation very well. You can tell, at least initially, that the author put a lot of research into this and provided readers with the references of where the information came from. However, this book was geared more towards black women with families/ women from Baptist - Protestant faith. It starts of as mental health focused then transitions towards using your religious faith in conjecture with licensed
mental health workers. As a social worker/ therapist, it provided insight and tools to better assist black women with families from a religious background. BUT, the description and title is a bit misleading and needs to say who the book is ACTUALLY geared towards. Now I did take alot out of this such as being INTENTIONAL in embracing my culture and seeking experiences and community that affirms who I am as a black woman in America when so much in this country tries to tell us
differently.
This book was a little disappointing. The book starts off strong discussing suicidal issues throughout the black community. But the book takes a turn and begins to speak about religion specifically Christianity as a means of coping with mental issues. Next the book goes on to point out specific conditions and ways to combat those issues. Also the book is written from a female perspective and uses mostly feminine pronouns. The book never really addresses the true topics like how to find a mental This book was a little disappointing. The book starts off strong discussing suicidal issues throughout the black community. But the book takes a turn and begins to speak about religion specifically Christianity as a means of coping with mental issues. Next the book goes on to point out specific conditions and ways to combat those issues. Also the book is written from a female perspective and uses mostly feminine pronouns. The book never really addresses the true topics like how to find a mental health therapist or clear reasons why the black community is hesitant to seek help. ...more
Feb 22, 2022 Halley rated it liked it This book was not meant for a white therapist but I ordered it thinking it might be. That being said, I already knew a lot of the content being presented but was interested in the perspective she offered about the black community. The book felt too faith-based to me so I don’t think it’s something I would recommend to a client. However, I do think the topics covered could be helpful to black clients if they are religious and if they haven’t attended therapy before/ if they haven’t had a good fit This book was not meant for a white therapist but I ordered it thinking it might be. That being said, I already knew a lot of the content being presented but was interested in the perspective she offered about the black community. The book felt too faith-based to me so I don’t think it’s something I would recommend to a client. However, I do think the topics covered could be helpful to black clients if they are religious and if they haven’t attended therapy before/ if they haven’t had a good fit with therapy. ...more
May 17, 2020 AllureEBC rated it it was amazing This book 📖 is peeling the layers back that need to be talked about. Sometimes shame or the theory that black people aren’t supposed to feel a certain way overpowers reality. Bottom line is we are human and just because we have endured pain does not mean we are immune to it. A must read & a must share. Highly recommend
This book gives a lot of great tips to increase your psychological fortitude. I took so much from it. The author mentioned many behaviors and mentalities that I can relate to with my family. I also loved that the author recommended several resources to increase the reader’s knowledge on the contributions black people have made to our country and the world.
Feb 10, 2022 Sam Smith rated it really liked it This book was written for black women. Although it wasn’t known until after I purchased it. A lot of the topics that were discussed could cover both men and women, but they were discussed in more detail and from the point of view of a woman. It would be nice to have a similar book for black men.
This book was written for middle-aged Black american christian women with children who are beginning to learn about mental health. While this work is incredibly necessary, I wasn’t able to take anything away from it.
This book could be useful for AA's who are being introduced into mental health awareness and subsequent conversations for the first time. This book could be useful for AA's who are being introduced into mental health awareness and subsequent conversations for the first time. ...more
Even though I am well versed in mental health, I learned a few things about myself by reading this book. Related ArticlesNew year, new you! Or perhaps the same you, but a 2.0 version? The start of a new year is known for resolutions, which, as we all know,... “Be careful about how you hide yourself from people who care. Your hiding could set up a life-or-death situation whereby you are in need and there is no one left to help.” — 4 likes “You need so much more than mental health or “well-being” in this era of discrimination, invisibility, and psychological warfare. You need an impermeable web of protection for your mind.” — 3 likes More quotes…Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. |
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