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kiwi_00's review
challenging
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Overall, I don't think the book was bad but certain parts made me a bit wary to continue reading. The first couple of chapters talk about suicide and that was a little heavy so I could only read (but mostly skim) a chapter or two a day, I think people should've been eased into the book. The second half of the book heavily focuses on Christianity as a way to find support during depression and other mental illness struggles. The explanations of how racism and assimilation are bad for health didn't feel like they were completely written for Black audiences, it felt like it was written for non-black people to feel introspective and learn about the mechanisms of racism. Despite this being described as a book targeting a general audience for Black mental health, it felt targeted towards a specific demographic. My biggest gripe with this book is the comparison of racism to mental illness. At best, it's an ignorant statement and at worst ableist which is ironic considering that mental illness is part of the disability umbrella. I'm not American but I was expecting tangible advice on how to navigate a health system ( esp for mental health) that was never made for you but that never came up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Mental illness, and Suicide
Moderate: Medical trauma
kat_c_h's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
As a white therapist, I aim to be a safe place for all clients. However, even within that, I know that I have biases that affect how I counsel. My theoretical orientation has primarily been on family systems, relational cultural, and similar theories. This book helped me to expand my understanding of these theories to assist clients that have been affected my systemic racism.
glendareads39's review
5.0
“If you (or someone you care about) cannot take on as much as someone else, that does not make you either weak or crazy. You just have to prepare differently and live your life unapologetically for you.”
The Unapologetic guide to Black Mental Health is very timely and important book to raise mental health awareness in the Black Community. The book has information about mental conditions and about the overall state of black mental health. Mental health in people of color is overlooked. Everyone in the world should read this informative book. We must end the stigma by addressing Mental Health in communities of color, knowing that it's ok not to be ok.
The Unapologetic guide to Black Mental Health is very timely and important book to raise mental health awareness in the Black Community. The book has information about mental conditions and about the overall state of black mental health. Mental health in people of color is overlooked. Everyone in the world should read this informative book. We must end the stigma by addressing Mental Health in communities of color, knowing that it's ok not to be ok.
emileedle's review
The information in this book is so valuable but I'm just too busy with school to really dedicate time to listen. I'll try to pick it up later!
3littlewordz's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.75
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Dr. Rheeda Walker was my pick for Mental Health Awareness month (in May, though I finished it in June). I think this is great resource for any black person (but especially black women) who have not been exposed to therapy or are opposed to exploring therapy as an option. It is also helpful for anyone that has been struggling and cannot seem to articulate what they've been struggling with. The most helpful chapters for me were 11 and 12, which provided concrete tools to use when you're overwhelmed. Overall, I've previously read about or been exposed to (through therapy) a majority of what was discussed in the book. I also think this is focused on a particular subset of the Black population, particularly the chapter on spirituality. I would definitely recommend to any Black person struggling emotionally that may not be ready to take the leap into therapy. This book might be the push one needs.
aliciakindlereads's review against another edition
4.0
Informative
I’m giving this a 4 star because I was expecting resources and suggestions throughout the book. I got them last 2 chapters of the book. Overall the book brought awareness to Mental Health and how to recognize it. I don’t think I got what I needed out of it because I have more insight into the MH field so a lot of the things that were mentioned, I already knew. I would still recommend to all due to the fact that we or someone we know is/can be affected and this book gives insight on how to be that friend for someone and to be able to call on someone.
I’m giving this a 4 star because I was expecting resources and suggestions throughout the book. I got them last 2 chapters of the book. Overall the book brought awareness to Mental Health and how to recognize it. I don’t think I got what I needed out of it because I have more insight into the MH field so a lot of the things that were mentioned, I already knew. I would still recommend to all due to the fact that we or someone we know is/can be affected and this book gives insight on how to be that friend for someone and to be able to call on someone.