The Colour of Madness

'A welcome contribution to the mission to heal and positively transform our mental health, physical health and well-being.'
Dr Jacqui Dyer, health and social care consultant and Black Thrive Global Director

'Nuanced and compelling'
Paula Akpan

The Colour of Madness is a groundbreaking collection of work that amplifies the voices of people of colour and their experiences with mental health.

Statistics show that people from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds in the UK have not only experienced inadequate mental health treatment in comparison to their white counterparts, but are also more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act. From micro-aggressions, inherent bias, religious/cultural influences and social stigma, people of colour are consistently fighting to be heard, believed, and offered help beyond the need for ticking off diversity boxes.

These are the voices of those who have been ignored. Updated for 2022, The Colour of Madness is a vital and timely tribute to all the lives that have been touched by medical inequalities and aims to disrupt the whitewashed narrative of mental health in the UK. A compelling collection of memoir, essays, poetry, short fiction and artwork, this book will bring solace to those who have shared similar experiences, and provide a powerful insight into the everyday impact of racism for those looking to further understand and combat this injustice.

The book was first published in 2018. Editors Dr Samara Linton and Rianna Walcott ended their relationship with their previous publisher in 2021 when the press was linked to a far-right group. The editors have since collaborated with a new publisher and present this updated edition complete with more contributions and powerful artwork.

About the Authors

Dr Samara Linton is an award-winning writer and multidisciplinary content producer, best known for co-authoring Diane Abbott: The Authorised Biography. She previously worked as a medical doctor and has written for platforms including gal-dem, Metro, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists. She is a University of Cambridge and University College London graduate.

Rianna Walcott is an academic, activist, writer and musician. She is a final-year PhD candidate at Kings College London researching Black women's identity in digital spaces, and a graduate twice over from the University of Edinburgh. Rianna has written for platforms including The Wellcome Collection, Metro, Vice, Dazed and The Guardian.