Hope in the Storm: Understanding, coping with, and Overcoming Suicidal Ideations

by Dr. Richard C. Hanzy

Overview

The story of Black mental health in America is not a new one-but it has too often been told in whispers, distorted through stereotypes, or erased from the conversation entirely. From the shackles of slavery to the psychological scars of segregation, from the silence forced by survival to the stigma that still lingers in our communities today, the Black experience has been marked by resilience forged in fire. This book seeks to illuminate that journey-not just to chronicle the pain, but to honor the strength that has echoed through generations. The Echoes of Resilience was born from both personal conviction and professional calling. As a therapist, veteran, and son of the Black South, I have witnessed the unspoken weight that so many of us carry-trauma passed down, untreated wounds, and the quiet normalization of emotional suffering. But I have also seen healing. I have seen men and women reclaim their stories, families rewrite legacies, and communities rise in solidarity to demand more. This book is my offering to that sacred work: a bridge between the past we have inherited and the healing we must pursue.This is not just a history book. It is a mirror, a testimony, and a call to action. It invites us to see our pain not as pathology, but as a consequence of systems designed to dehumanize-and to see our resilience not as coincidence, but as divine. It is my hope that readers will walk away not only with greater understanding, but with deeper compassion, stronger resilience, and a renewed commitment to mental wellness in our communities. Our healing is not a luxury-it is a necessity. And it is time.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798319632609
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	07/16/2025
Pages:	604
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.22(d)

About the Author

The Rev. Dr. Richard Hanzy, PsyD, PhD, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in multiple states. With more than fifteen years of clinical experience, he specializes in trauma-informed care, couples and family systems, and problem-solving therapy. A former 9/11 Air Force veteran, Dr. Hanzy combines the discipline and resilience of his life experiences with a compassionate, client-centered approach to healing.
Rooted in a faith-based framework, Dr. Hanzy integrates Control Mastery Theory and Contextual Family Therapy with spiritual principles, helping individuals and couples find meaning and strength even in their darkest moments. He is known for his warm rapport, gentle humor, and commitment to creating safe spaces where clients can name their pain, reclaim their voices, and discover new possibilities for growth. His work has been featured in regional behavioral health forums, and he regularly consults with churches and community organizations on trauma recovery and family wellness initiatives.
Born and raised in Gibson, Louisiana, and shaped by his teenage years in Oakland, California, Dr. Hanzy brings a rich tapestry of cultural insight to his practice. He holds a PhD in Human Services, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and a Master’s in Theological Studies. Outside the therapy room, he is a devoted partner and father who loves fishing, teaching, and mentoring young professionals. When he is not writing or seeing clients, you will find him casting a line at dawn or sharing stories of hope and resilience over a good meal with family and friends.