There is an unaddressed Black mental health crisis in our world today. In The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health, psychologist Rheeda Walker offers a comprehensive guide to help African Americans combat stigma, increase awareness around mental illness, practice emotional wellness, and get the best care possible for Black people in an unequal system. "It's time to reclaim your mental health. We can't deny it any longer: there is a Black mental health crisis in our world today. In addition, the effects of under-education, poverty, and systemic racism have greatly impacted African Americans' access to effective mental health treatment. It's time to take Black mental health seriously. It's time to heal our psychological distress, find community, and combat marginalization in order to thrive. So, how do you go about getting the best care possible for yourself or a loved one in a system steeped in racial bias? In this much-needed guide, psychologist and professor Rheeda Walker offers an unflinching exploration of Black mental health, and provides a comprehensive road map to getting the care you need and deserve. Packed with essential information and advice for navigating the system, this invaluable resource will help you recognize and understand mental health conditions, discover real tools for coping with symptoms, and learn to be your own advocate. If you or someone you love needs help, this book will show you how to find it."--Back cover

Foreword --1. The psychological crisis Is real : let's fight for our sanity together. -- Part I. Recognize serious threats to emotional health and life: 2. What you can do if death seems like the best end to pain -- 3. Poor diet, neglected health, addiction, and low-key suicide -- 4. The anxiety and depression beneath it all -- 5. Racism is bad for you -- 6. Assimilating and internalizing racism. -- Part II. Reclaim your mind to reclaim a life worth living: 7. Exploring and expanding meaningful Blackness -- 8. Making the most of your spiritual resourcefulness -- 9. Being genuine about needing help makes getting help possible -- 10. How to make "therapy" work, when you need it -- 11. Apply new and improved tools to overcome stress -- 12. Claiming your truths makes change possible.