July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. From personal experience with racists to the constant affront of racial violence in the news, racism and prejudice play a role in the mental health of Black children and teens. In addition, the lived experience of mental illness can manifest itself differently when cultural norms and preconceptions are taken into consideration.
These books address the stigma of mental illness, showcase first-hand personal experiences of strife and success, and help adolescents visualize a future in which they can thrive. By integrating these resources into their lives, we can promote a more inclusive understanding of mental health and empower young readers to seek help and support each other.
Here are ten books to guide, uplift, and encourage Black teens and adults in their mental health and wellness journey.
But first…
For those interested in pursuing mental health therapy from a Black-owned practice, Nave Wellness Center in the Chicagoland area works with domestic clients from Illinois and Indiana and international clients from several countries.*
Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! It’s a work in progress with over 2,600 listings and counting.
Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Stereotypes
This fiction anthology draws upon the lived experience of its diverse group of writers. This uplifting book shows readers that mental illness does not need to define them.
Each story is followed by a note from its author to the reader, and comprehensive back matter includes bios for the contributors as well as a collection of relevant resources.
Click here for more information.
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve
In this book and its accompanying workbook, Dr. Rheeda Walker provides a guide for recognizing mental distress, fighting stigma, getting help, and practicing emotional wellness. This resource is for people struggling with their mental health, those looking to help a loved one, and mental health professionals.
Click here for more details. Also check out The Unapologetic Workbook for Black Mental Health: A Step-by-Step Guide to Build Psychological Fortitude and Reclaim Wellness.
Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You
WNBA MVP and Olympic Gold Medalist A’ja Wilson has written her story as a love letter to Black girls and women everywhere. This memoir offers a push to “keep fighting, all while igniting strength, passion, and joy.”
Read more about the book here.
Healing Racial Stress Workbook for Black Teens: Skills to Help You Manage Emotions, Resist Racism, and Feel Empowered
Written by a team of mental health experts, this resource offers strategies to address prejudice and racism in all forms, from microaggressions and bias to overt racism. Readers will also gain strength in their cultural identify, learn stress-relieving techniques, and develop skills to thrive despite the racism they may experience.
Read more about the book here.
Maybe I Don’t Belong Here: A Memoir of Race, Identity, Breakdown and Recovery
David Harewood tells his story of recovering from psychosis to become one of the United Kingdom’s most acclaimed actors.
“As a Black British man I believe it is vital that I tell this story. It may be just one account from the perspective of a person of colour who has experienced this system, but it may be enough to potentially change an opinion or, more importantly, stop someone else from spinning completely out of control.”
Read more about the book here.
I’m Telling the Truth, But I’m Lying: Essays
Told in a series of short stories, Nigerian-American Bassey Ikpi tells her story through the lens of her anxiety and Bipolar II diagnosis, tackling mental illness stigma head on. She is also the creator of #NoShameDay, an initiative that normalizes conversations surrounding Black mental health in order to reduce stigma.
Read more about the book here.
My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies
If you’ve made it to this point in the article, you’re probably familiar with generational trauma and the effects it’s had on your family. In this book, Resmaa Menakem provides a healing guide based on neuroscience and “cultural somatics” to undo this damage and build a better life.
Click here for more information.
The Racial Trauma Handbook for Teens: CBT Skills to Heal from the Personal and Intergenerational Trauma of Racism
Dr. Támara Hill, LPC, has created a guide to help teenagers overcome racism and prejudice to thrive in school, friendships, and life. She uses evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills to help readers overcome personal and intergenerational trauma to increase their self-awareness and self-confidence.
For more information about the handbook, click here.
The Color of Hope: People of Color Mental Health Narratives
This is a compilation of the experience of those suffering from or affected by mental illness in Black, Latino, and Asian communities. Iresha Picot, reflecting on those suffering in silence, explained that the goal of the book was “to break the stigma in our communities surrounding the secrecy of speaking your pain into existence.”
Click here for more information.
The Black Girl’s Guide to Financial Freedom: Build Wealth, Retire Early, and Live the Life of Your Dreams
Not much can strangle your mental health, from generation to generation, like your financial situation. As many of us lack true guidance on building a strong financial base, I decided to include this book on the list to help give the next generation a head start.
Read more about the book here.
Interested in books for children, young adults, parents, or educators with Black protagonists and Black authors? Check out the Books for Black Kids book directory! It’s a work in progress with over 2,600 listings and counting.
*Full disclosure, this is my sister’s firm.