"You're Not Sensitive": Destigmatizing Mental Health In Black Men

"You're Not Sensitive" Destigmatizing Mental Health In Black Men is an autobiographical and self-help book that tells the story of the experiences that Author Dontá Fuller and other black men faced when it comes to mental health. The book features letters in story and poetry form for black men, including himself, who struggle with their mental health. It explores the stereotypes and stigmas black men face in society when it comes to this social issue. Dontá reflects on his childhood and discusses how mental health did not exist in his generation, and no one had conversations with him or his peers on how to take care of themselves mentally. Dontá experienced being emasculated by people around him, such as being called "sensitive", and struggled with his mental health as a result of those experiences. Dontá decided to seek help and figure out how to take care of himself while having negative feelings about going against what was considered taboo. The stories offer perspectives Dontá and other black men face in society when dealing with the consequences of being stigmatized, such as suffering from trauma, racial discrimination, isolation, substance abuse, fatigue, burnout, and unhealthy interpersonal relationships. Through compassion, empowerment, and empathy, Dontá wants himself and other black men to fight against the stigma society has placed, and find the strength to aid their mental health.