7 Essential Mental Health Books by Black Authors
N. Smith • June 3, 2026
Mental health plays an important role in our everyday lives. It affects how we manage stress, build relationships, make decisions, and navigate life's challenges. Within the Black community, conversations around mental health have often been shaped by stigma, limited access to care, and systemic barriers. That's why having resources that educate, inspire, and encourage healing can make a meaningful difference.
Whether you're looking to understand your emotions better, strengthen your resilience, or support someone you care about, these seven books by Black authors offer valuable insights for the journey.
1.
The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health By Rheeda Walker, PhD
This essential guide addresses the unique mental health challenges Black individuals face while offering practical tools for emotional wellness, self-care, and seeking support.
2.
Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community
By Joy Harden Bradford, PhD
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford explores the healing power of connection and community, showing how supportive relationships can positively impact mental health and personal growth.
3.
Bottled Up Inside: African American Teens and Depression By Rose Jackson Beavers and Jermaine Alberty
Focused on depression among African American teens, this book helps readers recognize warning signs, understand treatment options, and encourage important conversations about mental health.
4.
Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Women's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic, and Fear By Angela Neal-Barnett, PhD
The book explores how anxiety manifests in everyday life and offers practical coping strategies to reduce stress and build confidence. Readers will find both validation and encouragement throughout its pages.
5.
Rest Is Resistance By Tricia Hersey (The Nap Bishop)
In a culture that often glorifies constant productivity, Tricia Hersey challenges readers to rethink their relationship with rest. She argues that rest is not a luxury—it is a necessity and a form of resistance against systems that have historically demanded overwork from marginalized communities.
It serves as a powerful reminder that slowing down and caring for yourself are critical acts of self-preservation.
6.
72 Hour Hold By Bebe Moore Campbell
This powerful novel sheds light on the realities of mental illness and the challenges families often face while seeking treatment and support for loved ones.
7.
The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times By Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama shares personal stories and practical lessons on resilience, confidence, and navigating uncertainty. While not solely focused on mental health, the book offers valuable insights into maintaining hope and overcoming challenges.
Credit Bridgette Bartlett Royall 7 Essential Mental Health Books By Black Authors
https://www.essence.com/commerce/7-mental-health-books-by-black-authors/#1595136
Most people know exercise is good for them, but new research suggests we may need more movement than the standard recommendation to significantly improve heart health. Current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. That amount can help lower blood pressure, improve circulation, reduce stress, strengthen the heart, and lower the risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke. However, a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who exercised closer to 560–610 minutes per week saw even greater reductions in cardiovascular risk. The bigger message is not that everyone needs intense daily workouts. Regular movement plays a major role in protecting long-term health. Exercise helps the heart work more efficiently, supports healthy blood flow, improves energy levels, and can even boost mood and mental well-being. Even small increases in activity can make a difference. Walking more, staying consistent, and finding forms of exercise you enjoy can help build habits that support both your heart and your overall quality of life. Credit Korin Miller How Much Exercise Do You Need Each Week for a Healthy Heart? https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/how-much-weekly-exercise-heart-health/
Overeating isn’t just about food—it’s often tied to habits, emotions, and daily routines that quietly shape how, when, and why we eat. The good news is that small, intentional shifts can make a real difference. By becoming more aware of your patterns and making practical adjustments—like grocery shopping with a plan, paying attention to portion sizes, and slowing down during meals—you can begin to take control of this habit sustainably. Here are six strategies to help you stop overeating: 1. Tune in to your emotions Food is often used to cope with stress, frustration, loneliness, or even for celebration. The next time you feel the urge to eat, pause and ask yourself: Am I physically hungry, or am I feeling something else? Learning to identify emotional triggers is a powerful first step. If you notice certain feelings leading to overeating, try alternative responses like going for a walk, journaling, or talking to someone you trust. 2. Beware of boredom Sometimes, overeating has nothing to do with hunger at all—it’s simply a way to fill time. Boredom eating can easily become a habit, especially when food is easily accessible. Try building a list of go-to activities for those moments: reading, listening to an audiobook, playing a game like chess, or getting outside for some fresh air. Giving your mind something engaging can reduce the urge to snack unnecessarily. 3. Grocery shop with intention What you bring into your home plays a big role in your eating habits. Shopping without a plan often leads to impulse buys—especially highly processed, easy-to-overeat foods. Before heading to the store, make a list based on balanced meals and snacks. Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, fiber-rich options, and healthy fats. When your environment supports your goals, your decisions become easier. 4. Pay attention to portion sizes It’s easy to overeat when portions aren’t clear—especially when eating straight from packages or oversized servings. Start by serving your meals on a plate rather than eating out of containers. Take a moment to notice how much you’re eating, and give your body time to signal fullness. You don’t need to restrict yourself—aim for awareness and balance. 5. Maintain a consistent routine Irregular eating patterns can lead to extreme hunger, which often results in overeating. Skipping meals or waiting too long between them can make it harder to make mindful choices. Try to eat at consistent times throughout the day. Regular meals help stabilize your energy levels and reduce the likelihood of overeating later on. 6. Get enough sleep Sleep and appetite are closely connected. When you’re sleep-deprived, your body produces more hunger hormones and craves high-calorie foods for quick energy. Prioritizing quality sleep can help regulate your appetite, improve decision-making, and support overall well-being. When to seek help for overeating If you try to minimize your overeating and feel like it’s difficult, reach out to us—we can help give you the tools you need. We are here to help you. Overeating can become a problem, with a lot of emotional discomfort like shame and regret. For some people, it can also cause a lot of anxiety or sometimes depression. A doctor or mental health professional can help you come up with practical solutions to address the factors that lead to overeating. They may also want to perform assessments to see if there’s a medical reason behind your overeating. Credit How to Stop Overeating https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-stop-overeating
As we age, the body naturally changes. Muscle mass gradually declines, metabolism slows down, and the body becomes less efficient at absorbing certain nutrients. That's why nutrition becomes even more important later in life. Here are five key nutrients many adults need more of as they age. 1. Calcium Calcium helps keep bones strong and lowers the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Good sources include dairy products, leafy greens, almonds, and fortified foods. 2. Vitamin D Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports bone, muscle, and immune health. Sunlight, fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified foods can help increase vitamin D levels. 3. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 supports brain function, nerve health, and red blood cell production. As people age, it becomes harder for the body to absorb B12 from food. Fish, eggs, dairy, poultry, and fortified cereals are great sources. 4. Protein Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and strength as you age. Lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and Greek yogurt are all excellent sources of protein. 5. Fiber Fiber supports digestion, heart health, and healthy blood sugar levels. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and seeds are all high in fiber and can help support overall wellness. Getting enough of these nutrients can help support strength, energy, and long-term health as you age. Combined with regular movement and healthy habits, proper nutrition plays a major role in healthy aging. Credit Maggie O'Neill 5 Nutrients You Need More of as You Age, According to Dietitians https://www.verywellhealth.com/nutrients-you-need-more-of-as-you-age-11950022
Being physically active is good for every part of you — including your brain. The latest research shows that daily movement, even in small amounts, can help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease among people at higher risk of developing the condition. In a recent study published in Nature Medicine, scientists used advanced imaging and objective activity trackers to explore the connection between movement and brain health. They found that people who were more physically active reduced their risk of cognitive decline by up to 54%. Remarkably, these benefits began to appear at around 3,000 steps per day — a reachable goal even for those who are relatively sedentary. The impact was most significant for individuals who were previously inactive and started walking regularly. This is encouraging news, as these people are often at the highest risk for rapid cognitive decline. The findings suggest that simply adding short walks into your daily routine — whether around the block, in a park, or through your home — can make a meaningful difference for your brain health. The key takeaway is clear: you don’t need to run marathons or hit the gym every day to protect your brain. A modest daily commitment to movement can help keep your mind sharper for longer. So, the next time you have a chance to move, take the stairs, stroll after dinner, or enjoy a morning walk — and invite a friend or family member to join you. Walking together strengthens both memory and connection. Credit Alice Park, Walking a Little Each Day Can Slow Down Alzheimer’s Disease https://time.com/7330730/walking-exercise-alzheimers-disease/
Habits don't stick because of perfection—they stick because of progress. Every day, you make hundreds of decisions. Over time, the ones you repeat without thinking become your habits. And those small, daily choices—how you sleep, move, eat, and manage stress—quietly shape your health and your future. Progress Over Perfection Most people fall off because they think they have to get everything right. Miss a workout? Eat something unhealthy? Skip a routine? It feels like failure. But consistency isn't about perfection—it's about showing up. Even a small effort counts. The goal is progress, not perfection. Habits Are Personal There's no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for someone else might not work for you, and finding your rhythm takes time. For some, having support helps. A health coach, for example, can provide accountability, encouragement, and help you stay on track when motivation fades. They're not a replacement for medical professionals, but they can be a powerful addition to your routine. Build Systems, Not Willpower Willpower isn't about constantly pushing yourself—it's about needing it less. Strong habits reduce decision-making. When routines are built into your day, you save mental energy for the moments that actually require discipline. Start With the Foundation If your body isn't supported, your habits won't last. Sleep and stress management are everything. Without them, your energy drops, your focus weakens, and consistency becomes harder to maintain. Don't ignore the connection Health isn't just physical. In some of the world's longest-living populations, a strong community is a common thread. Support, connection, and shared experiences reinforce habits in ways discipline alone can't. How Long Does It Take? There's no exact timeline. You might see progress in weeks, but a real lifestyle change can take months—or even a year—as you navigate different seasons of life. And even then, your habits will evolve. Flexibility Is What Keeps You Going Rigid habits break easily. If you expect yourself to be perfect every day, you're more likely to quit. But when you allow flexibility—doing what you can instead of nothing at all—you create something sustainable. And remember: your habits don't define your worth. One off day isn't failure—it's part of the process. Set yourself up to win: Stack habits into routines you already have Use reminders and cues Make good choices easier and bad ones less convenient Small changes in your environment can lead to big changes in your behavior. There's no perfect time to begin. Habits are built in real life—on busy days, imperfect routines, and small efforts that add up over time. So start where you are. Stay consistent. Give yourself grace. Because what makes a habit stick isn't perfection—it's the decision to keep going. Credit Jenn Trepeck and Tara Schmidt What makes a habit stick? https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/what-makes-a-habit-stick/
There’s a quiet kind of exhaustion that doesn’t always show up on the surface. You can still meet deadlines, respond to texts, and show up for others—but underneath, you feel drained. This is what it looks like to pour from an empty cup. Over time, that depletion adds up. Burnout isn’t just about being tired—it can affect your mood, your relationships, and your ability to function in everyday life. Left unaddressed, it can open the door to anxiety, depression, and a sense of disconnection from yourself. The truth is, you can’t keep giving without restoring. Emotional energy needs to be replenished just like physical energy. The good news is that refilling your cup doesn’t always require a drastic life overhaul. Often, it starts with small, intentional shifts that help you reconnect with yourself and regain a sense of balance. 1. Carve Out Time for Yourself It sounds simple, but it’s often the first thing people neglect. When life gets busy, personal time can feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. But without it, you lose the space to process, reflect, and exist without demands. Carving out time for yourself isn’t about being unproductive—it’s about being intentional. Whether it’s a quiet morning walk, reading a few pages of a book, or sitting with your thoughts without distractions, these moments act as a reset. They allow your mind to slow down and your emotional reserves to rebuild. 2. Commit to Better Health Your emotional state is deeply connected to how you treat your body. When you’re running on poor sleep, low-quality food, and little movement, it becomes much harder to manage stress and regulate emotions. Exercise doesn’t have to mean intense workouts—it can be as simple as a daily walk, stretching, or light training. Nutrition also plays a role. Eating balanced meals fuels your brain and body, helping you feel more stable and energized throughout the day. Sleep—often overlooked—is foundational. Without adequate rest, everything feels heavier, and even small challenges can become overwhelming. When you commit to better health, you’re not just improving your physical condition—you’re strengthening your ability to handle life emotionally. 3. Surround Yourself with Comfort Your environment and the people around you influence how you feel more than you might realize. Comfort doesn’t have to be extravagant. It can be your favorite music playing in the background, a clean and calming space, or spending time with people who make you feel at ease. It’s about creating an atmosphere where you can let your guard down and recharge. This also means setting boundaries. Not every invitation needs a yes, and not every relationship deserves unlimited access to your energy. Protecting your peace is a powerful way to refill your emotional cup. You don’t have to wait until you’re completely burned out to start taking care of yourself. Refilling your cup is an ongoing practice, not a one-time fix. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s sustainability. When your cup is full, you don’t just feel better—you show up differently in every area of your life. Credit Heidi Godman Pouring from an empty cup? Three ways to refill emotionally https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/pouring-from-an-empty-cup-three-ways-to-refill-emotionally-202301262882
When most people set exercise goals, the focus is usually physical—building muscle, losing weight, or improving endurance. But movement offers something just as powerful, and often overlooked: a meaningful boost to your mental and emotional well-being. This is where the mind-body connection comes into play. Your body and brain are constantly communicating. When you move your body, you’re not just working your muscles—you’re also influencing your mood, your energy levels, and even how you handle stress. One of the main reasons exercise feels so good is because of the “happy hormones” your body releases during movement: -Endorphins act as natural pain relievers and mood boosters, often creating that post-workout “feel-good” sensation. -Serotonin helps regulate mood and sleep, supporting a sense of calm and balance. -Dopamine fuels motivation and reinforces positive feelings, making you more likely to stick with habits that feel rewarding. -Norepinephrine plays a key role in managing stress while improving focus, energy, and alertness. Together, these chemicals create a powerful shift—not just in how your body feels, but in how your mind processes the world around you. The type of movement you choose can also support how you’re feeling in the moment. If you’re stressed, restless, or worked up, high-intensity exercises like running, jumping jacks, or high knees can help release built-up tension and reset your mood. On the other hand, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, drained, or mentally exhausted, slower, more grounding activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can help you reconnect and recharge. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for someone else may not work for you—and that’s okay. In fact, your needs may change from day to day. Some days call for intensity, while others require stillness and recovery. What matters most is finding movement that feels good to you. Exercise shouldn’t feel like a punishment or a chore. The more you enjoy what you’re doing, the more likely you are to stay consistent—and consistency is where the real mental health benefits begin to take shape. Over time, regular movement can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, boost confidence, and foster greater emotional resilience. It becomes less about forcing yourself to work out and more about giving yourself something you genuinely need. At its core, exercise is more than a physical act—it’s a form of self-care. When you move your body, you’re not just strengthening muscles; you’re creating space for clarity, balance, and a healthier state of mind. Credit Maggie Donahue Move Your Body, Lift Your Mind: The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise https://www.verywellmind.com/mental-health-and-exercise-11935851
Your appetite is usually guided by a simple rhythm: hunger signals you to eat, and eating brings a sense of fullness. But sometimes that rhythm feels off. You finish a meal, and not long after, you’re still hungry—or hungry again. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Feeling hungry after eating can be frustrating, but it often comes down to a few underlying factors that are easier to understand—and fix—than you might think. Here are 7 reasons why you might still feel hungry after eating: 1. You Have a Medical Condition or Take a Medication That Increases Your Appetite Certain health conditions can interfere with your body’s hunger and fullness signals. Hormonal imbalances, blood sugar fluctuations, or metabolic conditions can all increase appetite. Medications can also play a role. Some prescriptions, especially those related to mood, inflammation, or hormone regulation, may stimulate hunger or make it harder to feel full. If your hunger feels constant or unusually intense, it may be worth speaking with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying causes. 2. You Didn’t Eat Enough Sometimes the answer is simple—you didn’t eat enough to satisfy your body’s needs. Meals that are too small or lack key nutrients (such as protein, fiber, and healthy fats) may not provide lasting satiety. Your body is still looking for fuel, so hunger returns quickly. 3. You Ate Too Fast When you eat quickly, your body doesn’t have enough time to register fullness. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to receive signals from your stomach that you’ve had enough. If you finish your meal in five minutes, you may still feel hungry simply because your body hasn’t caught up yet. 4. You Waited Too Long to Eat Going too long without food can lead to intense hunger, which often results in overeating or choosing quick, less satisfying options. When your body is in a state of extreme hunger, it’s harder to feel satisfied—even after eating—because your system is trying to recover from a perceived energy shortage. 5. Your Meals Lack Protein or Fiber Protein and fiber are two of the most important nutrients for fullness. Protein helps regulate hunger hormones, while fiber slows digestion and keeps you feeling satisfied longer. Meals that are high in refined carbs but low in these nutrients may leave you hungry shortly after eating. 6. You’re Dehydrated Thirst can sometimes be mistaken for hunger. When your body needs fluids, it may send signals that feel like hunger, leading you to eat when what you actually need is water. If you’re still hungry after eating, try drinking a glass of water and see how you feel after a few minutes. 7. You’re Eating Out of Habit, Stress, or Emotion Not all hunger is physical. Emotional or habitual eating can create a cycle where you eat without truly satisfying your body’s needs. Stress, boredom, or routine can trigger the urge to eat, even if your body isn’t physically hungry. In these cases, food doesn’t resolve the underlying feeling, so hunger persists. Becoming more aware of your eating patterns can help you distinguish between physical hunger and emotional cues. Feeling hungry after eating doesn’t mean something is wrong—it’s often your body trying to communicate a need that hasn’t been fully met. Your body isn’t working against you—it’s giving you signals. The key is learning how to listen. Credit Caroline Tien 7 Reasons Why You Might Feel Hungry After Eating https://www.self.com/story/why-you-feel-hungry-even-after-eating
Many of us are experiencing the quiet weight of disconnection. In a world that moves fast and demands constant attention, it’s easy to feel untethered—from ourselves, from others, and from the present moment. Stress builds, energy drains, and well-being slips out of reach. But there is a powerful, often overlooked remedy that remains available to us every single day: nature. Time in nature has a unique way of bringing us back to life. Stepping outside—whether into a park, a garden, or simply a quiet street—can shift something within us. The sound of leaves moving in the wind, the warmth of sunlight on our skin, or the stillness of a body of water can create a sense of calm that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. In these moments, we are reminded that we are part of something larger. This feeling, often described as awe, has the power to ground us, soften our stress, and reconnect us to the present. The benefits are not just emotional—they are physical as well. Spending time in natural environments has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression, lower blood pressure, and improved overall well-being. Nature encourages us to slow down, breathe more deeply, and release the tension we may not even realize we’re carrying. It offers restoration without requiring anything in return. And the best part? Connection with nature doesn’t require a grand escape. You don’t have to travel far or plan extensively. You can begin right where you are. Take a walk around your neighborhood. Sit quietly in a nearby park. Spend time in a garden. Watch the colors of a sunset unfold, or look up at the night sky and take in the vastness above you. These small, intentional moments can have a profound impact. The natural world is always within reach. Even in challenging times, it continues to offer beauty, perspective, and a sense of belonging. When we choose to engage with it—even briefly—we create space for healing. We remember that we are not as disconnected as we may feel. Sometimes, restoration isn’t about doing more. It’s about stepping outside, looking around, and allowing nature to do what it has always done—quietly bring us back to ourselves. Credit Diane E Dreher Ph.D. How Nature Can Restore Well-Being https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-personal-renaissance/202603/how-nature-can-restore-well-being
The most important conversations at work are often the ones that never happen. Not because they aren’t necessary—but because they feel uncomfortable, risky, or easier to postpone. Yet avoiding them comes at a cost. Misalignment grows, burnout builds, and engagement quietly declines. There are three conversations in particular that tend to stay beneath the surface, and when they go unspoken, both individuals and teams feel the impact. Handled with intention, though, these same conversations can unlock clarity, trust, and better outcomes for everyone involved. Conversation 1: “This Is Not Sustainable” This is the conversation many people rehearse internally but rarely say out loud. Workloads expand. Expectations increase. Boundaries blur. And instead of addressing it, people push through—until they can’t. When “this isn’t sustainable” goes unspoken, it often shows up in other ways: missed deadlines, decreased quality, disengagement, or burnout. By the time it’s visible, the damage is already done. Saying it early isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a signal of awareness and responsibility. It opens the door to re-prioritization, better resource allocation, and more realistic expectations. Conversation 2: “I Need to Manage Up” We often think of leadership as a top-down responsibility, but effective workplaces rely on communication flowing in both directions. Many employees hesitate to “manage up” because it can feel uncomfortable to question direction, ask for clarity, or provide feedback to those in charge. There’s a fear of being seen as difficult or overstepping. But when this conversation doesn’t happen, leaders operate with incomplete information. Priorities become unclear, assumptions go unchecked, and opportunities for improvement are missed. Managing up isn’t about challenging authority—it’s about strengthening alignment. It looks like asking better questions, sharing context, and proactively communicating what’s needed to succeed. Conversation 3: “I Am Disconnected From This Work” Disconnection is one of the quietest risks in any workplace. Someone may still show up, meet deadlines, and do what’s required—but internally, something has shifted. The work no longer feels meaningful, engaging, or aligned. This is one of the hardest conversations to have because it requires vulnerability. It means admitting that something isn’t clicking—and trusting that the response will be constructive, not punitive. When left unspoken, disconnection can spread. Motivation drops. Creativity fades. Retention becomes a question, not a guarantee. But when addressed openly, it creates an opportunity to realign. That might mean reshaping responsibilities, reconnecting to purpose, or exploring new challenges that better match strengths and interests. It’s not just about fixing a problem—it’s about re-engaging potential. Why These Conversations Matter Difficult conversations are not a sign that something is wrong—they’re a sign that people care enough to make things better. Avoiding them may feel easier in the moment, but it often leads to bigger challenges later. Frustrations build, misunderstandings deepen, and small issues become harder to resolve. The truth is, these conversations tend to surface eventually. The only question is when—and at what cost. When we create space for them early and handle them with intention, everything that follows becomes easier. Trust grows. Expectations become clearer. And people feel more connected to their work and to each other. Workplaces don’t improve by avoiding discomfort—they improve by navigating it skillfully. Often, the conversation you’ve been putting off is the one that can make the biggest difference. Credit Robyne Hanley-Dafoe Ed.D. 3 Conversations We Are Not Having at Work and Why We Need Them https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyday-resilience/202602/3-conversations-we-are-not-having-at-work-and-why-we-need-them
