National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Book Recommendations
By Marcus Harrison Green
I’ll be honest. I have a visceral distaste for the word minority in relation to people of color or historically under resourced and threatened groups. With that being said, July is officially National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. That’s as good a time as any to recommend books that have helped me and others I know in their mental health journeys.
Marbles by Ellen Forney: This graphic memoir has a special place in my heart. It was the first one I read after finally accepting my diagnosis of bipolar disorder (only took me maybe 8 years too long). Anyhow, it offers a powerful and intimate look into the life of someone living with bipolar disorder. Through her evocative and vivid illustrations, Forney shares her personal journey, blending humor and raw honesty. If you’re dealing with mental health challenges, it's one of the most relatable and inspiring narratives you’ll come across. Plus, the author is one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. They say never meet your heroes. There’s an exception for Ellen Forney.
What it Takes to Heal by Prentis Hemphill: Who doesn’t need healing? The book offers a transformative guide to healing on a personal and collective level. Throughout the book, the author combines personal narratives with some profound insights that make you reflect on what's been working and what hasn't in your everyday life. If you’re seeking to understand the deeper aspects of healing, connection, and liberation, this book delivers!
The Color of Emotional Intelligence by Farah Harris: If you, like me, are someone who is actively working on strengthening your emotional intelligence then this is a must-read. The author offers a compelling exploration of how emotional intelligence shapes our day-to-day interactions and well-being. It’s also surprisingly funny in places. Her advice helped me better understand and manage my emotions, even during the most frustrating of times when, let's just say, I was tempted to utter several unpleasant words toward another person.
But What Will People Say by Sahaj Kaur Kohli: We shouldn’t allow what other people think of us to impact our lives, unfortunately, many of us readily do. It’s why this book should resonate with so many of us. Through vivid storytelling and deep personal insights, the author invites readers to question the weight they place on others' opinions, and gives tools on how to navigate the complexities of societal pressures. The book ultimately addresses the persistent challenge of seeking approval from our chosen communities while still staying true to oneself.
The Queer Mental Health Workbook: This book has been a lifeline for many of my friends. It highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the unique stressors faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. By offering personal narratives and advice from queer individuals and professionals, the book provides practical and actionable strategies and resources. Friends have also credited it with empowering them in their mental health journey by validating their experiences and aiding them in better understanding the impact of internalized stigmas on mental well-being.