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

From an award-winning actor and a #1 bestselling author, a unique combination of moving memoir and practical tools that offers guidance for Black men seeking to reclaim their mental well-being–and, ultimately, to live wholeheartedly.

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.

In this book, actor Courtney B. Vance seeks to change this trajectory. Along with professional expertise from famed psychologist Dr. Robin L. 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, they 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.

"A thoughtful, wise, empathetic book that has the capacity to save lives. " (Kirkus)

"...an inspiring story of what [Black men] can achieve personally and professionally when they have the tools and support necessary to examine their pain and find their joy." (New York Journal of Books)

©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!

It’s about time

I enjoyed this collaboration and all that came with it. Thank you Mr. Vance and Dr. Smith for helping our fathers, sons, brothers, and all other male relations that need our support. I’m recommending it to everyone loving male healing. I think it’s time for a make book club for my guys.

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!

Gives clarity we all need!

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

Both writers

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

Powerfully Needed Book and Resource

So grateful 🙏🏽 for this work by Mr. Vance and Dr. Smith. As a parent of young adult African American men, This resource is so relevant. It is a gift for our times. Thank you for sharing your powerful testimonies. I especially appreciate your calling out the healing and strengthening that faith in God, therapy and community can provide. May we see more and more of Ps. 133:1 manifest: "How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity. "

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.