Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen: The Emotional Lives of Black Women

In this excellent debut, clinical psychologist Burnett-Zeigler provides a road map to help Black women find “a healthy balance between strength and vulnerability.” She begins by articulating the connections between systemic racism and sexism, generational and childhood trauma, and the prevalence of negative individual physical and mental health outcomes for Black women. Blending personal anecdotes, case studies, and questions for reflection, Burnett-Zeigler helps readers identify if they are acting “from a space of trauma”—such as by using common coping mechanisms like embracing a facade of “being strong—and to envision proactive choices instead. In the book’s second half, she addresses obstacles Black women face in accessing and making the most of mental health treatment—such as lack of coverage and skepticism toward practices—and provides tips for dealing with both. Ultimately, Burnett-Zeigler demonstrates how the idea of the “strong Black woman” can be both helpful and harmful, and lays out ways for readers to eliminate “what no longer serves” them. This thorough analysis effectively pulls back the curtain on the emotional and health barriers Black women face to suggest practical strategies for change. (June)