Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting: Real Talk for When There's Nowhere to Go But Up

Terrie M. Williams, a professional in mental health care, as well as the owner of a public relations firm, describes the debilitating agony of depression felt by black people, yet denied by many. In the black community there is a taboo against looking "crazy" or not having enough faith in God. This prevents many from seeking the help they need from professionals to deal with deep depression. She covers the subject in many ways and gives the symptoms of depression; she covers the depression of women and men separately. She notes that many black women feel they have to be super woman and don't know how to just say `no' to anyone asking a favor or needing help. She lets us know that if we can't help ourselves first, we won't be any good to anyone else. Black men have difficulty showing weakness of any sort and many times don't seek the help they need. BLACK PAIN covers the myriad reasons for pain in the black community, especially among the young, such as living in foster care, single parent households, dealing with addicted parents or struggling parents who have to work all the time. Depression breeds anger and produces gangs running the streets taking out their anger on each other because it temporarily relieves the pain. The Hip Hop culture is sometimes a reflection of depressive situations. BLACK PAIN doesn't leave it there, with merely a description and the symptoms. Ms. Williams also gives solutions to the problem, discusses the many medications that are on the market for depression, as well as their positive and negative side effects. She includes a list of readings that will help, and she even includes a letter that can be written to friends to form a support group when help is needed. Ms. Williams also includes her mailing and email addresses so she is accessible. Many of us don't even know we are depressed but a reading of BLACK PAIN will define it for you. There are ways to help others we see who need help with depression. That is a big help, because we frequently know something is wrong with a relative or friend, but we don't know what it is or how to deal with it. This book will give you guide lines for getting them and yourself back on track. It is a must read for anyone living today. I highly recommend this book. Reviewed by Alice Holman of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

I knew there were people who felt what I felt and I wanted to write someone. But one day I caught a short portion of a conversation Ms. Williams was having on the radio and she mentioned her book. I ran write out to order it. It talks to my soul in a way that made me know that other people were suffering and that maybe I should get someone to talk to other than hiding. The title of the book speaks volumes alone not to mention the words between the cover. I give this book the highest raiting there is. Thank you Ms. Williams for your story and the story of so many others.

Terrie I applaud your mission, vision and precision in which you handle such a "touchy" subject in the Black community. You know how to bring people together for a cause and I was so awed by the information you researched in this book and the resources you shared. Thank you for stepping out and championing this topic and bring light on a subject that has kept many in the dark for so long. Excellent read - touching and motivating. A book for anyone who have ever known anyone who suffered from depression or any mental illness. A flashlight book! Pam Perry Chocolate Pages Reviews

Millions of black people are needlessly suffering from depression. Even when the symptoms of depression are raging and screaming inside of us, too many of us are not doing anything to seek help. Could it be a lack of knowledge about the disease? Could it be the stigma that depression is a mental illness and we are ashamed to be associated with a disease such as this? Would we choose cancer or high blood pressure, would we choose a heart attack? NO. Neither do we choose depression. Terrie Williams latest book "Black Pain, It just looks like We Aren't Hurting" is a literary treasure. This book should be recommended reading in every household, and school counselors should have a copy on their shelves. It's a masterpiece for book club discussions. Terrie Williams, an International Motivational Speaker, Publicist, Entrepreneur, Best Selling Author and Visionary, comes forward and leads the way to encourage you to exit the darkness and enter into light. The collective wisdom that is shared in this book will, without a doubt ,let you know that because we often choose to remain silent, untreated depression can be extremely traumatizing. It can even kill you. Whether fervently speaking to an audience or ardently through the pages of this insightful book, you are instantly aware of her compassion for others. You sense the urgency of her mission to expose the myth that depression is a weakness and something that you should be ashamed of. One story, Terrie's own life account of a successful journey in the business and entertainment world, while secretly fighting the intense forces of depression is riveting to say the least. What happened when her mask came off? It was monolithic. Thousands of people from all walks of life reached out to Terrie, for they too were struggling with this condition. Black Pain is full of quotes, statistics and true chronicles from celebrities, professionals, and everyday working people who candidly and passionately share their stories. The inner struggle and conflict with depression comes in many forms and can attack different people in various ways. This triumphant book is about finding the courage to take responsibility for yourself or for someone that you love. You'll be astonished, you'll be sorrowful, you'll even laugh, but most of all you'll be informed. Three words; Read Black Pain. Let's start talking and sharing so we can become a part of the solution. Sisters Sippin Tea - Tulsa Chapter

Terrie Williams has written a masterwork on how Black oppression has led to Black depression. Every African-American will find their story told over and over, informing them of where their variety of depression comes from, plays out and where they can go for effective help. For the non-Black reader this book will educate and illuminate for you not only the Black experience but in essence your own. I have just finished this amazing book and and now reading it for the second time. Read this book! Nuff said.