Depression is a complex yet treatable disease that is not frequently discussed in the Black community. One woman shares her story and insight on this issue.

Publisher: Scribner, 2008

Cost: $25.00 (Hardcover)

Terrie Williams knows depression. She wrote Black Pain based on her own battle with the disease and the complex emotions she experienced in hiding and eventually exposing her secret.

While sharing her own story in Black Pain, Williams also enlists the help of various celebrities and ‘regular people’ who have coped with depression to familiarize her readers with the many faces and manifestations of depression in African-Americans. With extreme sensitivity to the Black experience regarding racism, urban living and cultural stigma surrounding mental illness, Williams incorporates statistics and medical information about depression in Black Pain, as well as information about the historical and social contributors to the disease. Her hope is that by providing these various contexts and experiences, she can dispel some of the shame associated with depression in the Black community and begin the process of healing.

Black Pain covers a wide range of issues related to depression in African-Americans including racism, abuse and the effect of the brave mask Black men and women put on every day to cope with difficulties. Williams makes sure to emphasize that depression is common, depression is understandable and depression can be overcome. In fact, Williams puts her background as a clinical social worker to work by providing various options to readers for dealing with their depression from healthy eating and prayer to psychotherapy and medication.

Black Pain is a good read for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or knows of someone who needs support in dealing with their pain. Williams provides a good introduction to depression for those who believe depression to be a weakness, but also serves as a reminder that human beings are resilient and can thrive when they have help and hope.