This week on Basic Black, we discuss mental health within the Black community. If you or someone you know needs help, please consider the resources below.

Online Resources for Individual Therapy:
Innovative Psychological Services

Ashmont Counseling Services

Therapy for Black Girls

Hotlines:
Samaritans : (877) 870-HOPE (4673)

ULifeLine : Text "START" to 741-741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline : 1-800-273-8255

National Alliance on Mental Illness- Massachusetts : 1-800-370-9085

If you are interested in learning more about mental health in Black communities, these books provide an excellent primer.

Books:
“ Lay My Burden Down: Suicide and the Mental Health Crisis among African Americans ”
Author: Alvin F. Poussaint & Amy Alexander

“ Black Men and Depression: Saving Our Lives, Healing Our Families and Friends ”
Author: John Head

“ Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting ”
Author: Terrie Williams

“ Invisible Man, Got the Whole World Watching: A Young Black Man’s Education ”
Author: Mychal Denzel Smith

“ 72 Hour Hold ”
Author: Bebe Moore Campbell

“ The Bipolar Black Girl ”
Author: Andrea Elizabeth Paul

“ Willow Weep For Me: A Black Woman’s Journey Through Depression ”
Author: Meri Nana-Ama Danquah