Understanding The Impact Of Racial Trauma
Racial trauma, or race-based traumatic stress (RBTS), refers to the mental and emotional injury caused by encounters with racial bias, ethnic discrimination, racism, and hate crimes. Experiencing racial discrimination can profoundly impact individuals' physical and mental health, leading to lasting consequences. Exploring the nature of racial trauma, its impact on an individual and systemic level, and ways to combat and cope with its negative effects may lead to destigmatization and greater knowledge of support resources available.
What is racial trauma?
Racial trauma refers to the psychological distress that arises from experiencing racism and racial discrimination. This challenge is a form of traumatic stress that can occur after an emotionally painful, sudden, and uncontrollable racist encounter. Race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) is not classified as a mental health disorder but rather a mental injury resulting from living within a racist system or experiencing racist events.
RBTS can stem from direct experiences, such as physical and verbal attacks, and systemic racism, such as discriminatory policies and practices. Additionally, racial trauma can be experienced vicariously or indirectly through witnessing racism or through stories of racism in the media. Transmitted trauma, passed down through generations, also contributes to racial trauma, reflecting historical trauma and collective experiences of racialized groups.
The individual impact of racial trauma
The impact of racism and racial trauma is complex and far-reaching. Though racism is a systemic problem that negatively impacts people worldwide, the individual impact of racial trauma presents unique challenges to those who face it.
Individuals can experience racial trauma in various forms, including but not limited to:
- Physical and verbal attacks: Direct confrontations where individuals are targeted because of their race
- Physical assault: Violent acts directed at individuals based on their racial identity
- Sexual violence: Acts of sexual violence that are racially motivated
- Experiencing racial discrimination: Systematic exclusion or unfair treatment in different areas of life, such as education, employment, and housing
- Physical reactions: The bodily responses to racial trauma, which can manifest as headaches, stomachaches, or other stress-related symptoms
Racial trauma can lead to psychological symptoms similar to those seen in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals who experience racial trauma may live with depression, anxiety, anger, and recurring thoughts of the traumatic events. Hypervigilance, low self-esteem, and emotional numbness are also common reactions. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual's daily life, relationships, and well-being.
The social and systemic consequences
The effects of racism have long impacted the United States. According to Mental Health America (MHA), the effects of racial trauma extend to social interactions, relationships, and unjust systemic practices.
People living with racial trauma may struggle with social interactions. They may face difficulty trusting others or become isolated and withdrawn from social activities. The fear of encountering further discrimination can also lead to social anxiety and avoidance behaviors. These social effects can hinder personal and professional growth, creating barriers to success and fulfillment.
Furthermore, systemic racism perpetuates racial trauma, which impacts entire communities. Policies and practices that disproportionately affect racialized trauma groups, such as discriminatory housing practices, unequal access to education and healthcare, and biased criminal justice systems, reinforce cycles of trauma. The cumulative effect of these systemic barriers may exacerbate the psychological and physical toll on individuals and communities.
The adverse impacts of racial trauma extend far beyond individuals. Racism is an ongoing issue that affects numerous aspects of culture, society, and socialization on a global and national scale. The nature of racism often varies among cultures and nations, making racial trauma especially difficult to define and discuss. However, studies and statistics reveal the many ways in which racial trauma affects people and society. For example:
- Nearly 1,500 incidents of anti-Asian racism were reported in one month following the COVID-19 outbreak in the US, including physical and verbal attacks and discrimination in businesses.
- In 2018, 38% of Latino people faced verbal attacks for speaking Spanish, were told to “go back to their countries,” called racial slurs, or were mistreated.
- Social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) recorded 4.2 million anti-Semitic tweets in over one year, including stereotypes, promotion of anti-Semitic media, symbols, slurs, and Holocaust denial.
- Black people make up 12% of the US population but 33% of the prison population, reflecting biased arrests, policing, and sentencing.
- Racial displacement, exclusion, and segregation have made BIPOC less likely to own homes, regardless of education, income, location, marital status, and age.
- Historical job segregation has led to fewer Black people holding jobs with retirement savings, contributing to a staggering wealth gap between races.
Coping with racial trauma
Coping with racial trauma may involve an approach that addresses immediate needs and long-term healing. Strategies that may help individuals manage and mitigate the effects of racial trauma include the following.
Self-care
Self-care can improve the mental well-being of individuals dealing with racial trauma. Self-care activities might include prioritizing physical and mental health through activities promoting relaxation and well-being. Examples include exercise, meditation, journaling, and engaging in hobbies that bring joy.
Social support
Building a strong support system may help individuals cope with racial trauma. Connecting with friends, family, and community members who understand and empathize with one's experiences can provide a sense of validation and comfort. Support groups and online communities can also offer a space to share stories and receive encouragement.
Education and advocacy
Educating oneself about racial trauma and systemic racism can be empowering. Understanding the historical context and current realities of racial discrimination helps individuals recognize that their experiences are not isolated incidents but part of a more significant societal issue. Whether participating in protests, joining organizations, or using social media to raise awareness, advocacy can also be a powerful way to channel anger and frustration into positive action.
How therapy can help
Seeking professional help is often recommended for individuals facing racial trauma. Therapists who specialize in trauma and have an understanding of racial issues can provide more tailored support. Various forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be effective in addressing anxiety, depression, and other symptoms associated with racial trauma.
CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. For those experiencing racial trauma, CBT can address distorted beliefs about oneself and others, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional regulation.
For those who face barriers to attending in-person therapy, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be helpful. Online platforms tend to offer increased access to a variety of providers, allowing clients to connect more easily with therapists who understand racial trauma and systemic racism, regardless of geographical location. In addition, clients can choose to meet with a BIPOC therapist if it is more comfortable for them.
Studies show that online therapy is effective in supporting those living with the impacts of trauma, including people with PTSD. In one review, researchers found that online interventions for PTSD led to reduced symptom severity and a greater connection with the therapist.
Takeaway
As individuals work toward a more equitable and just society, recognizing and addressing racial trauma can bring this issue to the forefront. By supporting those who experience racial discrimination and advocating for systemic change, individuals may promote healing and resilience for themselves, loved ones, and communities affected by racial trauma. For mental health support in this process, consider contacting a therapist online or in your area.
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