Racism and its impact on mental health

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We live in a society where it is unfortunately not uncommon to be a witness or victim of an act of racism. However, do we talk about its toll on its victims’ mental health? No, we do not talk about it enough. The trauma that racism causes is a serious topic that should not be overlooked, for it can even lead to suicidal thoughts.


What is racial trauma?


Racial trauma, also known as race-based traumatic stress, is associated with racist violence or discrimination. However, it is not necessary for you to experience it firsthand for it to traumatize you or impact your mental health. Sometimes, being a witness of prejudices in your community and watching news about the abuse that targets certain ethnic groups can be enough for you to experience racial trauma. Besides, racial trauma can even be passed down from one generation to another one, which happens when the elders tell the children stories about being mistreated or prejudiced.


This trauma can lead to anxiety, depression, chronic stress, eating disorders, and many more.



What is the impact of racism on its victims’ mental health?

Racism humiliates and dehumanizes its victims, thus damaging their self-esteem and their ability to connect with a community, but what does that imply? The ones targeted by racism often isolate themselves due to their fear of engaging with strangers and joining new groups. After all, would you want to be part of a group if all people do is diminish you based on their prejudices? We don’t think so. These people can also become less involved in activities that benefit their health –like sports– as they are frequently practiced in groups.

Besides, according to recent neuroimaging research, “encounters with racial discrimination on the individual level and structural racism at the societal level change how the brain responds to potential threats.” (Sima, 2023). But that’s not it. Believe it or not, racism also affects the functioning of the brain areas related to the control of thoughts and feelings. That’s why it can lead to anxiety, chronic stress, depression, PTSD, and even suicidal thoughts. 


Over the years we have normalized racism and discrimination without realizing the mental impact it can generate on people suffering from this type of abuse. That’s why we will informatively reveal the kind of trauma it can generate. 


Feelings after suffering from racism:


  • Sadness, depression, or suicidal thoughts.

  • Anxiety and vigilance, on guard for the next discriminatory experience.

  • Internalized Racism (creating negative messages about people of color) and decreased self-esteem.

  • Pessimism and hopelessness in the face of the possibility of change.

  • Anguish and post-traumatic stress.

  • Anger.

  • Lack of energy to plan, think and cope.

  • Increased likelihood of consuming alcohol and substances.


If you present some of these symptoms due to racism, do not hesitate to seek help. Nobody deserves to be alone in a situation like this and the first step is to speak up. It will cost a lot to eradicate racism but with we believe that it is worth the try. The next generations will be grateful if we can reduce it.


References


Racismo, Discriminación y la Salud Mental. (2020, December 22). Inspira. Retrieved from https://www.inspirapr.com/post/racismo-discriminacion-salud-mental

Robinson, L. (2023). Racism and Mental Health. HelpGuide.org. Retrieved from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/racism-and-mental-health.htm

Sima, R. (2023, February 16). Racism takes a toll on the brain, research shows. Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/02/16/racism-brain-mental-health-impact/


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