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

John Head lived the "American Dream": supportive wife, 2.5 children, fantastic job, great home, tennis buddies, family, friends... his list of blessings was long enough to make most envious; yet fulfillment and contentment were just beyond his grasp, sitting on the other side of depression. He was trapped in the cell of depression, and no matter how hard his family and friends tried to break him free of his imprisonment, they failed. This was a battle John's loved ones could not fight for him. This was John's war; all others had to take a supporting role. John Head's life is literally an open book in STANDING IN THE SHADOWS. In order to help African-American men-and those who love them-win the fight against depression, John Head reveals his revelations, struggles, failures, successes, and strategies for dealing with depression. As I read STANDING IN THE SHADOWS, I could see how men suffering from depression could identify with John's struggles and hopefully seek help. As the wife of a diagnosed manic-depressive Black man, I could identify with the stories of John's family struggles. At times, Mr. Head became preachy on issues such as the role that racism plays in depression in African-American men and the stigma many Blacks have against admitting and treating mental illnesses, but otherwise this is an excellent book that is very informative and personable. Reviewed by Deatri King-Bey of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers