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♪ (bright music) ♪

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Racism and mental health
are connected in many ways.

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This video will discuss
the impact on people

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and communities who are targets of racism.

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♪ (gentle piano music) ♪

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Around the world,

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Black, Indigenous, and
People of Color are the target

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of prejudice, systemic discrimination,

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microaggressions, and
physical acts of violence

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due to the color of their skin.

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Experiences of racism not only
cause distress in the moment,

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but can also lead to mental health issues

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that become more severe
with each experience.

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Let's review some of the immediate

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and longterm effects of racism.

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During and immediately after
experiencing racism,

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the fight-or-flight
nervous system response

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may be activated.

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This survival response prepares people

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to respond to threats in the environment,

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and can include anxiety or stress,

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a faster heartbeat, sweating,
nausea, and racing thoughts.

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♪ (gentle piano music) ♪

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People can also experience sadness, anger,

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and have a lowered sense
of self-worth and confidence.

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Over time, the cumulative effect of racism

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can cause chronic stress
and a heightened stress response,

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poor overall mental health,
and physical health issues.

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Experiencing racism can
contribute or lead to symptoms

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of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

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It can also cause hypertension
and other cardiovascular problems,

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relationship difficulties,

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trouble with school or work performance,

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and an overall reduced sense of wellbeing.

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People do not have to be the direct target

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of interpersonal acts of racism

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to experience its harmful effects.

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Research shows that being a part
of a marginalized group

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in and of itself is a source of stress.

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Witnessing oppression
or violence towards individuals

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from one's community
can cause vicarious trauma

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and even symptoms associated
with post-traumatic stress disorder.

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This is often widespread after instances

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of racist violence
make national headlines.

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The economic and emotional impact
of dehumanization

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and victimization can be passed down
over generations.

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(water splashes)

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The ripple effects of history

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are still impacting
many people in the present day.

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People from marginalized communities

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are not only more likely to experience
mental health issues

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due to social determinants
and institutionalized racism,

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they're less likely to have access
to treatment for their concerns.

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It's clear that increasing access
to mental health care is vital

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to promote the health
and wellness of everyone.

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So how do we make changes?

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No one individual alone
can be responsible for affecting change.

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Positive change and healing
requires a conscious effort from everyone.

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(air whooshes)

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When it comes to such a widespread
and ingrained problem such as racism,

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making a positive change requires us all
to be a part of the solution.

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We all greatly benefit
when the lives of everyone are valued

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and people can live out
their full potential.

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♪ (gentle piano music) ♪

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We must educate ourselves
on the history of racism

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and unlearn many things
that are presented as truth

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by the dominant culture.

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Take initiative and do research.

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There are many books, websites, training,

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and other resources
to help you on your journey.

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Don't place the burden
of the time and emotional labor

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of this education
on already burdened people

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from marginalized communities.

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When you see acts of racism, call it out,

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and call people
into having meaningful conversations

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about the impact
of their words and actions.

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Let's all work together
to support mental health for all

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and make our world
a more equitable and inclusive place.

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♪ (gentle piano music) ♪

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♪ (bright music) ♪