The Invisible Ache

Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power

By: Courtney B. Vance, Dr. Robin L. Smith

Narrated by: Courtney B. Vance, Dr. Robin L. Smith

Length: 10 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

A moving combination of memoir, psychology, and practical tools, this book offers Black men guidance and support for reclaiming mental well-being and finding whole, full-hearted living.

Early in his career, actor Courtney B. Vance lost his father to suicide. Recently, he lost his godson to the same fate. Still, as mental health discourse hits the mainstream, it leaves the most vulnerable out of the conversation: Black men.

In America, we teach that strength means holding back tears and shaming your own feelings. In the Black community, these pressures are especially poignant. Poor mental health outcomes—including diagnoses of depression and anxiety, reliance on prescription drugs, and suicide—have skyrocketed in the past decade. Institutionalized racism, microagressions, and stress caused by socioeconomic factors have led Black individuals to face worse mental health outcomes than any other demographic.

In this book, Courtney B. Vance seeks to change this trajectory. Along with professional expertise from famed psychologist Dr. Robin Smith (popularly known as “Dr. Robin”), Courtney B. Vance explores issues of grief, relationships, identity, and race through the telling of his own most formative experiences. Together, Courtney and Dr. Robin provide a guide for Black men navigating life’s ups and downs, reclaiming mental well-being, and examining broken pieces to find whole, full-hearted living. Self-care is an act of revolution. It’s time to revolutionize mental health in the Black community.

©2023 Courtney B. Vance and Robin L. Smith (P)2023 Balance

Critic reviews

“The Invisible Ache is one more example of all the reasons that I came to love Courtney B. Vance. What drew me to him is his willingness to be a servant, to help and be there for others. What greater gift can one receive than the message that you are not alone and that there is support. You just have to be open to receiving and welcoming it. What Dr. Robin and Courtney offer in these pages are comfort, answers, personal stories, and a lot of love for Black boys and men. My hope is that The Invisible Ache will become a cherished book on countless reading lists and the many lives that are blessed will span the distance from the Earth to the rainbow.”—Angela Bassett, Award-winning Actress, Director & Producer

"Brother Vance’s spirit of compassion and generosity is an emotional house built on the foundations of love, faith, humility, and courage. Where others may hide, Courtney stands bravely in the light, telling his story as a means to help others. In The Invisible Ache, Courtney and Dr. Robin selflessly extend hands and hearts to those seeking a place to receive a welcome balm for the soul."—Presiding Bishop Emeritus Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., West Angeles Church of God in Christ and Lady Mae Blake

"Mental health in the Black community has not been embraced but is extremely important and should be discussed. For Black men, there is no better voice of compassion and understanding than Courtney B. Vance to help initiate this healing journey. Together, with Dr. Robin, Courtney shares his own journey to illustrate that vulnerability, truth, and faith are direct pathways to a happier, more fulfilling life. The Invisible Ache is for males of all ages, and the women who love them, to help them overcome their struggles and live a life of sustained purpose and worth."—Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Businessman & Philanthropist

The careful wording and expression of feelings and concerns by both Courtney and Ms. Smith.

Outstanding book. A long time coming and needed! Thank you for helping me understand myself as a black man who struggles daily with thoughts of hopelessness and at the same time thoughts of love!

Both writers

Nothing! I really enjoyed Courtney's sharing his personal account of his personal life's journey in all of it's vissititudes.

Gives clarity we all need!

The insight about COVID and how it has shaped everyone’s experiences, especially those of young people, is invaluable!

Transparency & Culnerability with Empowerment

I will read it again and our three sons have the information, one of which is currently reading the book. It has generated more dialogue and story telling in our family. I especially love the title. The words, Invisible Ache, resonates in my entire being and speaks to each of us Black folk individually and collectively!

Needed

This book was right on time. Thank you Mr. Vance for your vulnerability. Thank you Dr. Smith for your break down and takeaways.

Necessary Read

This is a powerful resource for Black men and those who love them! Insightful, resourceful, well written, and well read!

Cpmpassion for self and others.

Courtney and Dr. Robin shared passionately of themselves for our benefit. They included us in their prayers, shared hopes for our collective futures, and showed us that we are not alone, that they and others are with us on this life journey.

You need HELP and it’s OK

Excellent message for Black men on how to deal with their trauma. No shame in the game.

Transparency!

Everything about this book was amazing and well needed. This was one of the most transparent and educational book that I have read addressing the behavorial/mental health and wellness of black men.

I mean, where do you even start?

I’ve needed this book for over a decade. I’m a 35 yr old, married father of two and I truly do love my life and family but there’s always been something missing. I’ve gone thru therapy and it’s done a lot for me and luckily this book is very much in line with those sessions. Thank you to Dr Smith and Mr Vance for sharing their experiences and knowledge through this book. I’m sharing with all my brother’s regardless of their circumstances. THIS ONE IS FOR ALL OF US!