There is a Black mental health crisis in our world today, and it is tied to disproportionately high rates of chronic illness, poverty, under-education, unacknowledged and untreated trauma, and structural racism. Depression, anxiety, and suicide were increasing before the global pandemic, but have since escalated even further. In order to reclaim a life worth living, you must first reclaim your mind. Whether you suffer yourself, have a loved one who needs help, or are a mental health professional working with the Black community, this workbook will be your lifeline.
This workbook—from the author of The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health—offers a step-by-step, interactive journey toward better mental health. You do not have to be at the mercy of everyday circumstances that would otherwise demean you or steal your joy. Grounded in both cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you’ll gain powerful skills to help you effectively manage stress, make self-care a priority, and find lasting emotional balance and well-being in a world still steeped in systemic inequality, discrimination, and microaggressions.
With this workbook, you’ll discover:
- What “psychological fortitude” is, and why’s it’s so important
- How to set boundaries and say “no” when you are feeling overwhelmed
- How racism can impact your mental health—and what to do about it
- How to overcome internalized racism and explore meaningful Blackness
If you’re ready to reclaim wholeness, build resilience, and thrive, this powerful workbook will be your guide.
About the Author
Rheeda Walker, PhD, is an award-winning professor of psychology at the University of Houston, and author of the self-help phenomenon, The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health. She is a behavioral science researcher, licensed clinical psychologist, and has published more than sixty scientific papers on African American adult mental health from a culturally meaningful perspective, suicide risk, and psychological resilience. Walker is a fellow in the American Psychological Association, the leading scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the US.
Walker’s expertise has been cited in countless media outlets, including The Washington Post, NPR, Los Angeles Times, Houston Chronicle, and Ebony magazine. She has been a guest expert psychologist on Good Morning America, The Breakfast Club, and Red Table Talk. She has trained and mentored clinical psychology doctoral students toward independent clinical and research careers since 2003, and is well known for engaging keynotes and workshops that address emotional wellness and culturally informed interventions. Visit her online at www.drrheedawalker.com.
Foreword writer Angela Neal-Barnett, PhD, is a national award-winning psychologist, professor, and leading expert on anxiety disorders among Black Americans. She directs the Program for Research on Anxiety Disorders among African Americans (PRADAA) at Kent State University. Neal-Barnett’s current work focuses on the role of racism and trauma in Black infant mortality and maternal morbidity, as well as culturally competent anxiety intervention.
Malené Dixon –
This workbook is years of answered prayers in one place! If you want and need more out of your life but you’re not sure how to access it, this workbook is the answer! It’s a step by step guide to help you discover, or rediscover, the peace and joy you deserve. Not only is it extremely helpful for anyone seeking answers, rest, peace, and joy. It’s also a great tool for therapists to use with your clients. The activities and exercises in the workbook are simple and practical for anyone to do. If you have never been in therapy, I encourage you to give this workbook an earnest try and see how your mood, attitude, and perspective on life change, for the better. Even if you are currently in therapy or are on your own personal healing journey, this workbook is a great tool to use to keep you moving in the right direction. This workbook will help you stop hurting, stop apologizing and start healing.
Karimah Crosson –
Dr. Walker nailed it with this one. Although digital thought catchers are great for some people, I appreciate the experience of writing down my thoughts. With “PF” she’s given words to emotions I didn’t have before. I find myself using the phrase “psychological fortitude” in conversation with people because I am so clear now on what it means and how to measure it in my day-to-day life. I suggest also checking out her series on the Calm App which also speaks to managing mental health as a Black person.
Scott –
I loved Dr Walker’s first book and this is an excellent companion to that! Empowerment, fortitude, boundaries, resilience, and cultural strengths are fostered in this workbook. This is definitely worth your time. Check it out!
Willie –
This workbook is a fantastic guide to accompany Dr. Walker’s “The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health”. If you are new on your journey to wellness or a seasoned consumer of mental health services like myself, you will easily follow along with the activities presented in the workbook. Honestly, working through the exercises feels like you’re exploring your mental health with a trusted and compassionate friend.Navigating the world as a Black person, there is an expectation to always remain strong and never let them see you sweat. This is not realistic; Black people, we are not robots! Dr. Walker does an excellent job of highlighting different areas where our psychological fortitude can take a hit and impact our level of functioning. The exercises will help you to recognize different stressors in your daily life, identify and acknowledge your feelings, and take steps to incorporate wellness tools that promote self-care and build your psychological fortitude. This workbook was written with the utmost care; for us, by us!If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health but are unsure where to start, pick up this workbook. Be sure to grab the guide too! As you can see from my photo, I have pages marked for sections that really resonated with me. Dr. Walker, thank you for all that you do to promote mental health in the Black community.- Jordan Scott, Associate Director & Co-Founder of Black People Die By Suicide Too
Amazon Customer –
I love how Dr. Walker takes mental health, which can seem so complex and have a lot of misconceptions, and make it easy for the every day person to understand. This workbook allows you to get in touch with your feelings and your thoughts, and how it shows up physically in your body. I encourage everyone to get a copy for yourself and someone you love. This book can help you if you’re struggling with your mental health currently, desire to understand yourself, and be mentally healthy! I love Dr. Walker and all she does to uplift the Black community. Great job, Dr. Walker! 💜🩵💚
Amazon Customer –
I enjoyed how easy it was for me to go through this workbook. It felt more like I was having a conversation with a friend and my thoughts and feelings just flowed out onto the pages. Because of the workbook style of this book I did not put off answering the questions so I was able to go through it immediately and get solutions, which instantly raised my psychological fortitude (pf)! I will continue to use this workbook and its solutions, along with the scripts that I have created for myself, to maintain good mental health.
Tassandra A. Ray –
If you’re looking to focus on self this year, The Unapologetic Workbook for Black Mental Health is what you need! First, knowing your PF (psychological fortitude) is a more practical means to determine how you feel each on a day to day, or even hour by hour basis. The Workbook helps you identify what brings you joy or anxiety to proactively find ways to navigate through those moments. The fact that the Workbook also focuses on challenges specific to Black people is a plus! I’m looking forward to continuing the year navigating my way through improving my own mental health and well being.
dsnow –
I was super excited to get the work book to see what systems and advice I could add to my life. From the introduction Dr. Walker captured my attention by speaking on emotional pain and some of the experiences we have that are uncomfortable. The book has become my personal journal. My favorite chapters are Chapter 3 (Clutch skills), Chapter 4 (Boost your readiness), Chapter 6 (spiritual and religious rhythms), and Chapter 8 (Caring for Struggling loved ones). The entire work book will help embrace yourself for the things we go through on a everyday basis. I recommend you get one for a friend too since the holidays are coming up.