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Racism and mental health are connected in many ways.
This video will discuss the impact on people
and communities who are targets of racism.
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Around the world,
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are the target
of prejudice, systemic discrimination,
microaggressions, and physical acts of violence
due to the color of their skin.
Experiences of racism not only cause distress in the moment,
but can also lead to mental health issues
that become more severe with each experience.
Let's review some of the immediate
and longterm effects of racism.
During and immediately after experiencing racism,
the fight-or-flight nervous system response
may be activated.
This survival response prepares people
to respond to threats in the environment,
and can include anxiety or stress,
a faster heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and racing thoughts.
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People can also experience sadness, anger,
and have a lowered sense of self-worth and confidence.
Over time, the cumulative effect of racism
can cause chronic stress and a heightened stress response,
poor overall mental health, and physical health issues.
Experiencing racism can contribute or lead to symptoms
of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
It can also cause hypertension and other cardiovascular problems,
relationship difficulties,
trouble with school or work performance,
and an overall reduced sense of wellbeing.
People do not have to be the direct target
of interpersonal acts of racism
to experience its harmful effects.
Research shows that being a part of a marginalized group
in and of itself is a source of stress.
Witnessing oppression or violence towards individuals
from one's community can cause vicarious trauma
and even symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.
This is often widespread after instances
of racist violence make national headlines.
The economic and emotional impact of dehumanization
and victimization can be passed down over generations.
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The ripple effects of history
are still impacting many people in the present day.
People from marginalized communities
are not only more likely to experience mental health issues
due to social determinants and institutionalized racism,
they're less likely to have access to treatment for their concerns.
It's clear that increasing access to mental health care is vital
to promote the health and wellness of everyone.
So how do we make changes?
No one individual alone can be responsible for affecting change.
Positive change and healing requires a conscious effort from everyone.
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When it comes to such a widespread and ingrained problem such as racism,
making a positive change requires us all to be a part of the solution.
We all greatly benefit when the lives of everyone are valued
and people can live out their full potential.
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We must educate ourselves on the history of racism
and unlearn many things that are presented as truth
by the dominant culture.
Take initiative and do research.
There are many books, websites, training,
and other resources to help you on your journey.
Don't place the burden of the time and emotional labor
of this education on already burdened people
from marginalized communities.
When you see acts of racism, call it out,
and call people into having meaningful conversations
about the impact of their words and actions.
Let's all work together to support mental health for all
and make our world a more equitable and inclusive place.
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