Standing in the Shadows: Understanding and Overcoming Depression in Black Men

In this brief but powerful book, award-winning reporter Head draws a clear picture of several complex social, racial and psychological problems and raises important questions about mental health care in general and for black men specifically. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the American Medical Association and the World Health Organization, depression's impact on society is enormous. Yet, for many members of the African-American community the subject remains taboo 3/4;especially for black men, who may suffer silently and die tragically because of it. Their despair has deep roots in our history, Head argues:""Racism not only brings on depression in black men, it exacerbates the effects of the illness."" A journalist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and USA Today and a fellow at the Carter Center Mental Health Program, Head explains that""racism is psychological warfare in the most literal sense of the term"" and that, when racism's humiliation and hopelessness is combined with a loss, depression often results. Woven throughout the book is an eloquent memoir of Head's own chronic depression which provides insight into the illness for readers who may not be familiar with its effects. Head's struggle has taught him that there are no easy answers to depression. But he maintains that progress can be made if African Americans acknowledge the problem, talk about it and remember that depression is a medical illness, just like diabetes and heart disease. And, says Head, it is time for the mental health care system to do the research and outreach that the black community needs to confront this problem. Not exactly a self-help book, Head's volume is a wake-up call to African Americans, health care professionals and anyone concerned about the far-reaching consequences of depression.