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"I cried. I applaud you for sharing your story. " S.T.
TRAILER - Never Judge a Book By Its Cover
I'm Not Complaining, I'm Just Sayin'
(paper and electronic available)
"OMG!!! This book is deep!!! I started reading it and couldn't put it down. Derrick did an excellent job and was such a good read. His book mad me cry and feel sad at the same time. I know Derrick's book will help a lot of people." ~ N.H.
Imagine unknowingly wandering down a dark road of anxiousness, anger, and never-ending sadness. You simply can't wrap your head around why you are feeling this way and you feel there is no one you can turn to for answers. Additionally, you fail to recognize your sudden change in behaviors are adversely impacting your marriage, relationships with your kids and friends, your job, and your total well-being.
Then, imagine your suppressed inner demons subconsciously and recklessly driving on a highway of carelessness, selfishness, and shameful encounters to the point where you don’t care if you live… or die. This happened to me and I became so mentally and socially exhausted that I finally reached out for help and sought counseling. I never knew that seeking counseling would eventually save me...from me.
As a male and specifically a Black male, we are culturally conditioned to avoid seeking professional help. We are taught to suck it up and deal with it so we won’t appear to be weak. However, with counseling and support from my family/friends, I found enough strength to address my inner demons by way of writing about actual, traumatic events from my life. We all have inner demons but sometimes fall short of recognizing the effects they have on our lives as well as others. This is why you should Never Judge a Book By Its Cover!!
"I wanted you to know I just finished reading your book. How brave of you to share your story! " ~ K.L.
"Your book has already helped me remember things that were blocked. Thank you Derrick for aiding me in trying to figure out some similar childhood experiences." ~ M.D.
"It takes an incredible amount of courage and healing to be able to share your story and journey to help others in their process of healing. Never Judge a Book By Its Cover, discusses how past traumas and lived experiences can shape us and that we need to normalize seeking professional help. This personal journey truly shares the power of the mental health field, sharing your own story, and what healing can do for us all. This story is especially important for communities who have deeply rooted cultural values that continue to create barriers to treatment for anyone experiencing mental health issues, specifically Black, Hispanic/Latino/Latine, and Indigenous communities. Such an empowering story. "~ P.S.
Never Judge a Book By Its Cover
"Thank you so much for your willingness to tell your story and for your raw and candid details of your story. I'm very proud of you." ~ A.M.