we explain the psychological effects of
racism
today many doctors and scientists are
attempting to understand the
psychological effects of racism
on individuals in the u.s
racial discrimination has a significant
impact on african americans
not only can racism manifest itself in
the form of hate crimes
and police brutality but also in the
form of psychological trauma and
distress
according to a 2017 survey from npr
92 percent of african americans said
they face racial discrimination in the
usa
as mentioned this takes on multiple
forms
and can be a daily occurrence for many
research from dr karen g martinez for
the anxiety and depression association
of america
shows that black americans are 20 more
likely to report psychological distress
and persistent depression than white
americans
as such they endure a disproportionately
higher burden of disability
due to mental health struggles
what's more black americans are more
often at a disadvantage
when it comes to equitable access to
resources
such as education housing and health
care
these disadvantages are linked to
anxiety disorders
which one in four black americans will
experience
according to dr tahira abdullah and dr
jessica graham lopresti
they indicate that quote black americans
are not
responsible for the existence of racism
but are unfairly
burdened with the responsibility of
coping with the painful existence of
these oppressive experiences
end quote this burden presents itself in
the form of anxiety
anger and sadness or as dr abdullah
and dr graham lopresti refer to it
racial battle fatigue
the doctors offer a few methods of
coping with this fatigue
it begins with knowing your self-worth
and surrounding yourself with people who
value you
when faced with racism dr abdullah and
dr graham lopresti
recommend being compassionate with
yourself anxiety
anger and sadness are understandable
reactions
but it's important to externalize racism
rather than blame yourself acceptance of
your emotions
does not equal your acceptance of racism
ultimately we must all be conscious and
respectful of the psychological burdens
that others may carry
it is as crucial for us to value one
another
as it is to value ourselves