I am the child of a drug and alcohol addict who has been sober for nineteen years. The Twelve Steps have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Ironically, the more I grew to understand the Steps, the more I realized that Step One applied to me and my mental illness…

I admit that I am powerless over depression and that my life has become unmanageable.

My journey of admitting my reality took some time. I offer this page as an invitation to those who are seeking support and information about depression, which will continually be updated. I know that many have yet to come to terms with their reality. If and when you do, please know that you are not alone…

ARTICLES

1. “Depression Does Not Discriminate” by Terrie Williams
2. “Black Folks and Mental Health: Why Do We Suffer in Silence” published in Ebony Magazine
3. “Black and Depressed: Two African American Women Break the Silence” by Therese Borchard
4. “Tips for Navigating Through the Mental Healthcare System: An Interview with Rev. Dr. Monica A. Coleman” posted at Beyond Blue

BLOGS/WEBSITES

1. Band Back Together – A community weblog by a band of survivors. We’re here to put a face to everything once kept in the dark.
2. Beyond Postpartum – A blog about postpartum depression and maternal mental health.
3. Black Women’s Health Imperative – The Black Women’s Health Imperative (Imperative) is the only organization devoted solely to advancing the health and wellness of America’s 19.5 million Black women and girls through advocacy, community health and wellness education and leadership development.
4. Butterfly Confessions – A blog by an African American woman who suffers from bipolar 2 disorder and lays her humanity bare with the hope of encouraging others to do the same.
5. PBS Presents: Depression – Out of the Shadows – DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows is a multi-dimensional PBS project that explores the disease’s complex terrain, offering a comprehensive and timely examination of this devastating disorder.
6. Psych Central – The Internet’s largest and oldest independent mental health social network.
7. Share Ourselves – A website for people living with mental health problems—and their friends and family.

BOOKS

1. The Gifts of Imperfection: Your Guide to a Wholehearted Life by Brene Brown, Ph.D., L.M.S.W. – This book is a wonderful resource that explores what it means to live a wholehearted life – one defined by cultivating courage, compassion and connect. For those battling depression, this book helps to turn ones focus on the inherent goodness and worth that lies within.
2. Not Alone: Reflections on Faith and Depression by Rev. Monica A. Coleman, Ph.D. – The author speaks from the heart as minister, woman, friend, professional, and person who lives with depression. This 40-day devotional offers a tool that guides the reader back to faith through personal exploration and experiences of strength, hope, love and spirit.
3. Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We Are Not Hurting by Terrie Williams – In Black Pain, Terrie has inspired the famous and the ordinary to speak out and mental health professionals to offer solutions. The book is a mirror turned on you. Stop suffering. The help the community needs is here: a clear explanation of our troubles and a guide to finding relief through faith, therapy, diet, and exercise, as well as through building a supportive network (and eliminating toxic people).

ORGANIZATIONS/AGENCIES

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness – NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.
2. National Institute of Mental Health – The mission of NIMH is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure.
3. Office of Minority Health – Dedicated to improving the health of racial and ethnic minority populations through the development of health policies and programs that will help eliminate health disparities
4. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.