The Colour of Madness: Mental Health and Race in Technicolour

The Colour of Madness is a beautiful anthology consisting of over 50 pieces from nearly 100 contributors about their experiences of mental health; it includes poems, art, prose and even a psychological study.

This is the second edition and, just like the authors who have overcome adversity in their mental health journeys, the book has been on a journey too. Publishing house Bluebird Books for Life are new to the collection, and the introduction explains how the original publisher denounced the book in a racist fashion. Both this journey and the book itself explore the profound impact of racism on mental health. 

Originally subtitled ‘exploring BAME mental health in the UK’, it is now ‘race and mental health in technicolour’ to take it beyond the limitations of the BAME label. Colour is a key motif: different aspects of mental health are grouped under the different colours of the rainbow and are explored through a variety of creative expressions. However, the book’s structure means that you can dip in and out as you choose. I initially read it in order but have since sought specific pieces for rereading. I was shocked to learn about some of the experiences and statistics and I am glad that this book has opened my eyes to something I knew little about.

It is the sort of book to leave on the bedside table (especially with its calming cover) and there is a piece to match whatever mood you are in.

My favourite part of the book was the breadth of experiences covered due to the diversity of the contributing authors, showing that mental health and ethnicity are just aspects of identity. It is the sort of book to leave on the bedside table (especially with its calming cover) and there is a piece to match whatever mood you are in each night: the tone constantly shifts from tiredness and exasperation to energy and humour.

The pieces may be short, but they all provoke ample thought and I found myself naturally pausing between each one to reflect on the themes covered. My only slight criticism is the information about the contributors is at the back, rather than accompanying each piece, as some of the pieces are enriched by understanding this context. I would recommend bookmarking this page and referring to it before starting each piece.

This is a book designed to make more people feel heard, and to open the eyes of other readers, like myself. Reading about lived experiences of mental health offered more insight than being limited to material from clinicians, who tend to dominate this genre. The Colour of Madness again shows the importance of challenging systematic inequalities, proven by the shocking statistics about inequality within mental health spaces.

The Colour of Madness again shows the importance of challenging systematic inequalities, proven by the shocking statistics about inequality within mental health spaces.

It is a vital read for anyone who seeks to understand these issues and play their part in changing them too, or for anyone wanting to feel heard.

Books like this encourage reflection and discussion, and it is one I will return to.

Freya Gray is a youth ambassador for the Charlie Waller Trust.