What To Know About Mental Health In Multiracial Families

According to the most recent U.S. Census, in 2020, . This represents a significant increase from 9 million people (2.9% of the population) in 2010.

According to Mental Health America, , believing it makes them more open to other cultures. However, people with a multiracial identity may have higher rates of mental illness than their monoracial counterparts. Below, we’ll explore these mental health challenges and how they relate to people’s various multiracial experiences. 

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What does it mean to be multiracial? 

Before we can understand mental health among multiracial populations, it may help to explore what it means to be multiracial. 

Merriam-Webster defines multiracial as “composed of, involving, or representing various races” or “having parents or ancestors of different races.” These definitions are in line with how many people hear the term “mixed-race” used, which is to describe people whose families represent different racial groups. On the other hand, the term “monoracial” is sometimes used to describe people from just one race.

The United States Census Bureau defines multiracial as belonging to two or more races. The racial categories provided on the census include:

• White
• Black or African American
• American Indian or Alaska Native
• Asian
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
• Some Other Race (for people who identify as part of other racial groups)

It may be worth noting that these definitions are not universal. As the Pew Research Center points out, . As many as 61% of people with a mixed-race background don’t consider themselves part of multiple races. People may also have different ways of looking at racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. For example, the Pew Research Center finds that although the term “Hispanic” is often treated as an ethnic identity, it can be common for Hispanic individuals to treat it as part of their racial background. 

Therefore, racial and ethnic identity formation can be complex. Not everyone from a mixed-race family identifies the same way, and definitions can be fluid. Understanding this may give us insight into some of the challenges that can come with having multiple racial identities.

Understanding multiracial experiences

Many people from multiple racial backgrounds continue to face challenges that can affect their mental health. A 2015 survey from the Pew Research Center found that people from multiracial families often experience racial discrimination. Of those surveyed:

• Over half reported being the subject of racial slurs or jokes. 
• 33% had perceived discrimination from an employer due to their racial group. 
• 30% reported being threatened or attacked. 
• 25% reported being unfairly stopped by the police. 

Some discrimination experiences may be unique to multiracial groups. For example, anti-miscegenation laws, which banned interracial marriage, existed in the United States until 1967, and federal laws protecting mixed-race marriage weren’t passed until 2022. In a 2016 study, people were more likely to show bias against images of mixed-race couples. 

According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, social rejection can be a common concern for people from mixed-race families. This can be a challenge, especially for multiracial adolescents, who may be working to understand their own racial identity. 

Multiracial families may also experience challenges within the home. Racial devaluation is just one example. Racial devaluation can happen when someone in a mixed-race family expresses or shows negative beliefs about a certain racial group. This can negatively affect self-esteem and self-worth, for both multiracial adults and multiracial youth. As the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) explains, :

• Siblings bully each other for their skin color, eye color, or facial features. 
• Family members refuse to talk about issues related to systemic or structural racism. 
• Family conflicts revolve around race. 
• Multiracial children aren’t prepared to manage race-related issues outside the home.  

These examples represent a sample of the challenges multiracial individuals and families can face.  

A closer look at multiracial mental health challenges

Studies suggest these experiences can negatively affect multiracial people’s mental health. In a 2022 study, researchers performed a systematic review of data on thousands of people from both multiracial and monoracial groups. They found that multiracial individuals tended to have poorer mental health outcomes than monoracial individuals. This may be due to factors like socioeconomic status and educational attainment. That said, more research may be needed to understand this relationship. 

But what specific mental health challenges do mixed-race people face? In a study from 2023, researchers analyzed interview and survey data from more than 1,000 multiracial people. They found that their most common mental health concerns included:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Suicidal thoughts

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Support is available 24/7.

Explore race and mental health in a safe space

Connect with a licensed therapist

Getting support for mental health in multiracial families

Multiracial families often face unique challenges and mental health concerns, but with the right support, it may be possible for people from mixed-race backgrounds to maintain their mental health and psychological well-being. In the 2022 survey discussed above, researchers found that . (Protective factors are resources or traits that may lower the risk of mental illness.) 

If you aren’t able to find support in your own community, or if you simply want to explore other forms of support, you might find therapy helpful. A licensed therapist may be able to help you explore your identity, learn to manage race-related stressors, and reduce symptoms of mental illness. 

Multiracial identities and challenges can be complex. Finding a therapist you’re comfortable exploring these topics with can take time. However, online therapy may make it easier to find the right fit. Platforms like BetterHelp match you with a licensed therapist based on your unique needs. They also let you change providers at any time, for any reason. 

Studies show that online therapy can effectively treat mental health concerns that may be common among multiracial people. In a 2017 review, researchers analyzed existing mental health data from over 373 studies. They found that online therapy was an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and other mental disorders.