The Impact Of Discrimination: Coping With Racial Trauma At Work

Racial trauma generally refers to the psychological distress resulting from experiencing racism and racial discrimination. It can be a form of traumatic stress that occurs after an emotionally painful, racist incident. Race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) is not currently categorized as a diagnosable mental health disorder but rather a mental injury stemming from living in a racist society or experiencing racist events. In this article, we will examine how workplace racial trauma impacts corporate America, the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace, and how to cope with racial trauma at work. Individuals who have experienced racial trauma in the workplace may benefit from speaking with a licensed mental health professional who can help them address its effects.

What is racial trauma?

Racial trauma and race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) are the terms typically used to describe the emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical distress that can come with experiencing racism or racial discrimination.

Racial trauma can arise as the result of a wide range of lived and observed experiences. These experiences can be direct, such as when someone faces physical or verbal attacks because of their race. They can also be the result of systemic racism, which can involve unfair policies and practices that target certain racial groups. 

Racial trauma can happen indirectly as well, such as when people witness racism happening to others or hear about racist incidents in the news. Additionally, racial trauma is often intergenerational, meaning it can be passed down from one generation to the next, reflecting the historical pain and struggles of marginalized groups.

The impact of racism and racial trauma can be wide-ranging and complex, affecting people all around the world. Racial trauma and discrimination appear to affect the American workplace in several challenging ways. Those who experience trauma in the workplace may face many difficulties, such as emotional distress, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. Understanding the ways racial trauma can impact an individual may shed light on why discrimination at work is unacceptable and must be addressed. 

The symptoms of racial trauma

Racial trauma can lead to psychological symptoms that are similar to those seen in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People affected by racial trauma may experience symptoms of depression or anxiety, feelings of anger, and intrusive thoughts about the traumatic events they’ve experienced. They may also display hypervigilance, or being constantly on alert for danger, along with low self-esteem and emotional numbness. These symptoms can greatly interfere with everyday life, potentially making it hard to maintain relationships and overall well-being.

In addition to psychological effects, racial trauma can contribute to physical symptoms like headaches, chest pains, and insomnia. When someone is exposed to race-based traumatic stress for a long time, these symptoms can worsen and lead to the development of chronic health problems. 

Mental health concerns like depression and anxiety disorders tend to be common in people who face racial discrimination, although updated evidence may be needed. The stress from racial trauma can weaken the immune system, potentially making it easier to get sick. Understanding both the psychological and physical impacts of racial trauma can be important for providing the right support and care to those affected.

Addressing discrimination and racism in the workplace

In an article published by the same organization, activist and diversity consultant Nika White explained the pervasive nature of racial microaggressions in the workplace. These subtle yet harmful interactions, which typically stem from stereotyping and assumptions, often leave workers feeling confused, hurt, angry, and deflated. 

The impact of these microaggressions can be significant, as they tend to be harder to identify and address, especially in environments where systemic racism is prevalent and there are no clear policies to prohibit and punish such behavior. This situation can exacerbate workplace trauma, affecting not only the targeted individuals but also others who may sense they are threatened by the hostile environment.

Racial discrimination in the workplace can also have economic consequences, leading to decreased productivity as those who experience harassment become demotivated. Francine Gordon, a lecturer at Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business, noted that harassment can silence individuals who may have the most innovative ideas, potentially hindering problem-solving and creativity within teams.

The impact of racial trauma in the workplace often extends beyond individual experiences to broader societal issues. For instance, racial displacement, exclusion, and segregation can contribute to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals being less likely to own homes, regardless of education, income, marital status, and age. 

Additionally, although updated evidence may be necessary, historical job segregation appears to have resulted in fewer Black individuals holding positions with retirement savings, possibly contributing to a significant wealth gap between races.

Resolving these issues typically requires a multifaceted approach involving acknowledging and addressing the root causes of discrimination, providing more platforms for career development, and ensuring that marginalized groups have equal opportunities for advancement. Additionally, promoting self-care and emotional well-being among employees may reduce the effects of workplace racial trauma.

Preventing racism in the workplace

Employers can make the workplace safer and fairer for all employees by educating their teams and taking action. Below are several potential strategies to employ. 

1. Create clear anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies: Make sure these rules are easy to understand and shared with all employees.
2. Provide regular anti-harassment training: This training should be required for everyone and updated regularly.
3. Train HR staff: Human resources workers should know how to properly investigate and handle discrimination complaints.
4. Update mission statements: Highlight the company's dedication to maintaining a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.
5. Offer multiple ways to report issues: Give employees several options to report harassment or discrimination, including having an open-door policy.
6. Train supervisors: Ensure supervisors understand their duty to report any harassment, even if there are no formal complaints.
7. Hold employee meetings: Regularly talk with employees about any concerns they have regarding discrimination or harassment.
8. Act quickly on reports: Investigate and resolve any reports of harassment or discrimination as soon as possible.

Coping with racial trauma

Coping with racial trauma can be difficult to achieve on one’s own. The American Psychological Association urges those who are experiencing trauma in the aftermath of racial discrimination to connect with family, friends, and other communities for support.

The University of Georgia’s psychology department explores other coping strategies as well, including the following: 

• Practice self-care: Engage in activities that foster physical and mental well-being and that you enjoy.
• Share experiences of racism: Sharing experiences with trusted individuals can be therapeutic. In fact, one study found that Black women who frequently experienced everyday racism and kept it to themselves usually had more indicators of chronic stress exposure, aging, and morbidity.
• Engage in prayer, mindfulness, spiritual practices, and use of mantras: These practices, as well as seeking guidance from faith leaders (if applicable), can center and calm the mind.
• Be aware of symptoms: Recognize the signs of racial trauma, such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping.
• Identify triggers and coping mechanisms: Make a list of situations, people, or places that trigger trauma symptoms, and find strategies to cope with each.
• Rest when needed: Acknowledge when your symptoms are impacting your performance and take breaks when possible.
• Role-play responses to negative encounters: Practice how to respond to racial microaggressions or discrimination with trusted individuals.
• Engage in activism: Participate in actions that address racial injustices. This can provide a sense of empowerment and contribute to positive emotions.

How therapy can help

Seeking help from a licensed therapist is often recommended for people experiencing racial trauma. Therapists who specialize in trauma and understand racial issues can offer personalized support. Different types of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns linked to racial trauma.

CBT is a common therapy method that can help individuals recognize and change negative thoughts and behaviors. For those affected by racial trauma, CBT can address false beliefs, reduce anxiety, and teach healthy coping skills. 

While many people enjoy working with a therapist in person, online therapy has become another popular and convenient option. Online platforms often make it easier to find diverse therapists specializing in racial trauma and systemic racism. Online therapy also tends to offer increased flexibility and affordability, creating a more supportive and accessible environment for those seeking help.

While more research is needed regarding the efficacy of online therapy specifically for racial trauma, existing studies support the use of online interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health condition that can develop in response to trauma. A 2022 study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy with a trauma focus was equally effective as traditional in-office therapy for PTSD “and should be considered a first line treatment for people with this condition.”