That Dark Place

Trauma recognizes trauma; people who’ve been through something are often able to spot another person that has experienced trauma and I think this enables an ability to provide a judgment free safe-zone.

This was a heavy read, as I continued to read this book it got heavier and lighter at the same time. One of the things that stood out to me is when you are dealing with a person that has experienced trauma you can provide a judgment free space while maintaining accountability— support without enabling. I can’t be your rehab but I can be the partner that walks with you while you heal.

This book was realistic, the characters felt like people you’d know in real life. The pace, developments and setbacks felt real. At this point, I might be rambling but I think this was a great way to include Black mental health advocacy in a work of fiction. The accurate depiction of therapy, showing that you won’t reveal all of your life‘s issues and traumas in one session nor will it be solved quickly. And showing that it is more than OK to let go of people that can’t be a part of the life you’re creating for the healed version of you—even if they are blood.

I loved that this depicted characters the had mental health struggles but were still worthy of relationships and love. They still had people in their lives that were willing to meet them where they were and people who were accepting of the growth and changes they were making.

Dope book, I enjoyed and I’d recommend it to others (just be sure to check the Trigger Warnings).