If you’ve experienced racism, it can have a huge impact on your mental and physical health. The good news is that there are ways to deal with racism and build resilience.
Racism is a system of discrimination that creates social and health inequities. These inequities lead to poor health outcomes, higher rates of disease, and lower life expectancy.
1. Discrimination
Discrimination is a term used to describe the prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups on the basis of generalized traits. It can involve a number of factors, including age, sex, race, gender, social class and religion.
It can also refer to discriminatory traditions, policies, ideas and laws that create inequities across the determinants of health. Examples include racial segregation, housing and employment discrimination.
People who experience discrimination often report feelings of anger, anxiety and depression. They may also suffer from a sense of worthlessness and denial about their own value.
2. Unemployment
The impact of racism on the well-being of the nation is a complex issue. It is often linked to other factors, such as mental health and the ability to withstand financial shocks.
Despite the United States’ legal protection of racial minorities, racism has persisted in private beliefs and practices in many communities. These beliefs and practices can’t be changed by laws alone.
For this reason, it is vital that we examine a variety of policies and strategies that affect the health and well-being of racial groups. These policies can include access to jobs and benefits, housing and infrastructure, and high-quality healthcare.
3. Mental Health
Racism and discrimination can cause a wide range of mental health problems. These can include depression, anxiety, stress, high blood pressure, substance abuse, and PTSD.
Racial trauma can occur from a single event of racism, or an accumulation of subtle acts of discrimination over time. This can include seeing news reports of police brutality or witnessing prejudice against friends, family or neighbors.
It may also be caused by a lack of access to mental health resources, or an experience of racism or discrimination by a medical professional. These conditions can affect a person’s willingness to get help and make treatment more difficult.
The impact of racism on the well-being of the nation is a serious public health problem. It can lead to health inequities and poor mental health for people of color, including African American and Latino people.
4. Suicide
Suicide is a very serious problem in our society. It can take a toll on our well-being and make us feel very sad and hopeless.
Suicidal thoughts can also lead to suicide attempts. Often, these feelings are triggered by events or situations that are out of our control.
Fortunately, many people find ways to cope with them and keep them from becoming too severe. If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, you should talk to a doctor right away.
Research has shown that racism can increase your risk for suicide. However, it is important to understand that racism does not always lead to suicide. It is also important to remember that different types of racism can have different effects on your health and wellbeing.
5. Stress
Stress can cause serious, long-lasting health problems and is a major contributor to mental illness. This is especially true for people in marginalized groups.
It can also be a powerful force for positive change, inspiring people to do their best and achieve their goals. It’s also a key component of resilience — the ability to overcome adversity and thrive in a changing world.
In addition to financial issues, the most commonly cited sources of stress in this survey were health-related events and mass shootings. Black and Latino adults were more likely to cite these as stressors than White or Asian adults.