Actor Courtney B. Vance and Dr. Robin L. Smith focus on black men’s mental health in their book ‘The Invisible Ache’

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and is award-winning actress Courtney B. Vance psychologist Dr. Robin L. Smith is co-author of the book “Invisible pain: Black men identifying their pain and reclaiming their power.

With their book, they are attempting to boost awareness about black men and mental health. Given the newest trends, this issue is more vital than ever. For the primary time in history, the suicide rate amongst blacks is higher than amongst whites. The variety of so-called “deaths of despair”, which incorporates suicide, alcohol consumption and drug overdoses, tripled between 2013 and 2022. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, black men are 4 times more likely die by suicide than black women.

“We use an African proverb in our book that goes, ‘The story of a lion will never be known until it is told by the hunter.’ That’s why in ‘The Invisible Ache,’ we strive to make sure that lions – black men and boys – tell and reclaim their own stories,” Smith told ESSENCE.

“We wish to get to some extent where the norm isn’t only to ask if you happen to feel pain or are you in pain, but additionally where does it hurt? “‘The Invisible Ache’ is a personal invitation to every black boy and man to heal, declare and declare his divine right to be fully human, whole and free,” Smith continued.

“‘The Invisible Ache’ grew out of my desire to provide black men of all ages with a safe space to explore, discuss, restore and heal their mental health,” Vance shared with ESSENCE. “I want this book to always remind us that we are worthy of happiness, peace, love and support.”

During last week’s “Couch Talk” with Give me the Black AllianceSmith and Vance spoke candidly concerning the book and their struggles, speaking about “the invisibility and the pain that sometimes robs us of the belief that we actually have a right to be here.”

Vance began a conversation with tragedy from his own life, stating: “My father took his own life in 1990. He shot himself… and my father never found peace.”

Blacksmith chimed in, saying, “Black boys and men struggle with how they claim to be whole, and part of our wholeness is that we all have holes, longing to be whole, which is a whole sacred journey. How do I do that when I’m walking down the street as a black boy or black man and people are crossing the street because they’re afraid of me? How is it that as a black boy or black man I reclaim my divine birthright that I long to be here?”

During the discussion, Smith and Vance emphatically discussed the importance of addressing mental health issues in Black communities. Both emphasized the necessity for a holistic approach to mental health, encompassing physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. The co-authors emphasized the importance of vulnerability and honesty in personal development, sharing personal stories of radical vulnerability and its transformative impact on lives to set an example for others.