Racism in the workplace or on the streets can have a detrimental effect on mental health. Whether it is an outright attack or more subdued microaggressions, these experiences will weigh on you and impact how you feel.
Talking about these experiences with a friend can help reduce stress and protect your mental health. Studies have demonstrated that those who openly discuss racism experiences are less likely to exhibit signs of chronic stress, aging and morbidity than those who keep their experiences to themselves.
Depression
Racism or discrimination can lead to a variety of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, chronic stress, substance abuse and even symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. People don’t need to experience racist abuse or discrimination to develop these problems; but they may be triggered by watching news reports about police brutality, witnessing prejudice against friends, family members or neighbors or hearing distressing rhetoric in political discourse.
One study discovered that the more often people reported discrimination, the greater their likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms and considering suicide. Researchers utilized data from the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program to explore whether discrimination had any effect on mental health.
They observed that those who frequently experienced discrimination had 17-fold greater odds of moderate to severe depressive symptoms and a 10-fold greater risk of suicidal ideation than those who rarely encountered racism or discrimination. Furthermore, they discovered associations between racism and discrimination and disparities in access to mental health care.
Racism not only poses a risk for depression, but it has been linked to various physical health problems such as heart disease and gastrointestinal problems. This is largely due to microaggressions–small, subtle racist actions and remarks.
If you have been the victim of racism, it’s essential to share your experiences. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member or counselor so that you can work through your emotions and feel less isolated.
You can also try coping strategies that reduce negative emotions, like distraction or focusing on positive aspects of the situation. Doing so may help you cope with trauma more effectively and reduce your likelihood of developing a mental illness.
For Black Americans, racial discrimination can cause intense psychological stress and put them at greater risk for developing long-term mental health issues. This is because repeated racism increases one’s “fight or flight” response, which raises blood pressure and heart rate.
Psychologists and other clinicians can play a vital role in combatting racism’s effect on patients. To do this, they must not ignore their patients’ experiences with racism and take steps to promote anti-racist mental health care. Physicians who do so will help improve racial equity within their clinics and communities.
Anxiety
Though you may not have considered it before, racism can be a real mental health concern. Not only does it cause anxiety and depression in individuals, but it has been known to also lead to physical symptoms like high blood pressure or weight gain.
Anxiety is a state of mind that can be triggered by various external and internal stimuli, like body sensations or thoughts and memories. It may result from traumatic events, stress, or certain medical issues like thyroid problems or heart arrhythmias.
If you’re dealing with an anxiety disorder, reach out to your doctor. They can review your medical history and run tests to pinpoint the source of your stress. Furthermore, they will help identify any triggers and take steps to avoid them in the future.
Anxiety symptoms may include feeling anxious all the time, worrying about something you know is going to happen, having panic attacks and obsessive thoughts. These can be caused by a variety of things such as traumatic experiences or changes to your brain structure.
People who have experienced racial trauma and anxiety can continue to struggle with these issues long after the event has passed. Some may even develop a condition known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by hypervigilance, negative thoughts, and mood swings.
Researchers have noted that racism does not discriminate against black people – it affects all racial groups and ethnicities. People who reported experiencing more and more racist incidents were significantly more likely to experience mental distress as a result.
Researchers noted that racism is a serious issue, as it has been linked to various negative outcomes such as low self-esteem, depression and anxiety. Furthermore, some research indicates racism may even have an adverse effect on physical health.
Racism has lasting effects, both individually and within communities. One way to combat it is by speaking out about it and advocating for change. Another approach is finding support from family, friends, and other members of your circle of influence.
One way to cope with racial trauma is to learn how to process your feelings and comprehend its effects on your life. Additionally, finding a therapist or other qualified professional who can assist in dealing with this trauma and improving mental health may be beneficial.
Bipolar Disorder
Mental health issues can be caused by genetics, misdiagnosis and lack of access to care. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that racism may also play a role in contributing to mental illness.
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that affects people of different races and can be treated through medication and psychotherapy.
Bipolar disorder requires a unique treatment plan. Your doctor will first provide medications to stabilize the person’s mood, such as antipsychotics or mood stabilizers. Other possible treatments could include electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or psychotherapy.
People living with bipolar disorder must ensure they take their medications as prescribed and get enough sleep and exercise. If these don’t help, they may need to speak to their doctor about additional assistance.
Bipolar disorder symptoms can be difficult for children and other family members to comprehend, which is why having a support network around you is so important. Additionally, having regular checkups with your doctor will keep you aware of changes in your symptoms.
A 2014 study revealed that Black people with bipolar disorder are less likely to receive mood stabilizing medications than white patients and also tend to be misdiagnosed.
Delaying treatment for those living with this condition can have grave consequences, preventing them from receiving the necessary care and even leading to suicidal thoughts or actions.
Bipolar disorder can be treated in several ways, including medications, therapy and support groups. Additionally, it’s essential to seek support from family and friends if they are facing similar difficulties as you.
Some individuals may require surgery due to the serious potential damage that this disorder can do to the brain. Surgery is generally only used when other treatments have failed and no other option remains.
People living with bipolar disorder of all races should have a support network and regular checkups with their doctor to help manage the condition. Furthermore, regular checks to see if surgery or treatment is needed is recommended.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Racism and discrimination can have a devastating effect on the mental health of those who experience them. It may affect one’s sense of self, how one perceives themselves in relation to others, as well as your relationships with others. Furthermore, racism may lead to physical symptoms like anxiety or depression.
The most common symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include avoidance of situations or people that trigger memories, feeling numb to emotions, and negative thoughts about yourself or the world around you. These feelings can be so intense that they interfere with daily tasks.
Symptoms can appear immediately after remembering the trauma or years later. No matter when they first manifest, these issues won’t go away without assistance.
If you’re dealing with PTSD, it can be beneficial to speak to someone who understands how you’re feeling. You might also consider seeking a diagnosis from a doctor or mental health professional who can assess for the disorder as well as other psychological problems.
Researchers have recently discovered a connection between racism and discrimination and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Exposure to discrimination can elicit similar psychological responses as PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, and negative thoughts about yourself and the world.
Research indicates that racial trauma may have serious adverse effects on medical health, including shorter telomeres. Telomeres are essential for cell repair and maintenance within the body, making them essential to ensure healthy cells.
Traumatic events can also wreak havoc on your brain, leading to cognitive issues like difficulty concentration or memory, anger and irritability, as well as difficulty sleeping. All of these make it hard for you to focus on tasks or perform everyday activities like getting dressed or driving safely.
It is essential to have a close friend or family member who will listen and support you through these trials. They can help process your emotions and offer solutions. Furthermore, they may help identify the source of your experiences so they don’t recur again.
