Racism, or discrimination based on race or ethnicity, is a key contributing factor in the onset of disease. It is also responsible for increasing disparities in physical and mental health among Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
This article looks at some of the ways that racism can affect health, how a person can live healthfully while facing the burden of racism, and how socioeconomic factors associated with racism can continue to pose risks to both physical and mental health.
Research has shown on countless occasions that experiencing or internalizing racism can have a significant impact on one’s mental health. Some of these effects include:
Increased levels of anxiety and stress related illnesses (i.e. high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, nervous system problems, other physical ailments)—When people experience stressful situations like discrimination, their body moves into a state of fight or flight, which in the past was key to our survival. Today however, when the fight or flight system is frequently engaged, it causes inflammation that could lead to chronic health problems in the long run.
Increased risk of depression or suicide
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Substance Abuse Problems
Intergenerational Racism/Trauma—Can be experienced by children who observe racism or racist behaviours and affect school performance and developmental milestones—especially if these acts are towards their parents or caregivers. Symptoms include fear, hypervigilance, confusion, shame or guilt, self-blame and headaches.
Internalized beliefs- Conscious or unconscious acceptance of common racial tropes that can lead to low self-esteem and increased symptoms of psychological distress.
Racial Battle Fatigue-Resulting from a daily struggle with racism or racist-based behaviours, causing a person to constantly be on guard to protect against the hostile environment.
Feelings of helplessness or worthlessness
Avoidance behaviours—Avoiding situations and places that could lead to an increase in mental health symptoms as a result of racism, even if they would be meaningful, valuable or positive for the individual such as employment, education or healthcare facilities.
Racism can be a key factor in the onset of physical and mental health issues in BIPOC.Research suggests that the stress that develops due to experiencing or witnessing racism can have long lasting effects, increasing the risk of chronic disease and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression in both children and adults.
Utilizing the support of peers and community, forging a strong sense of racial identity, and talking about racist experiences can all be effective ways of coping with the stress of racism.
Research suggests that low socioeconomic status has the same impact on physical health as smoking, heavy alcohol use, or an unhealthful diet. Racial groups with higher levels of low socioeconomic status also tend to have more persistent mental health conditions.
How to live healthfully while facing racism
1)Talk about racist experiences with others
Many studies have suggested that talking about racist experiences, instead of bottling them up, can help a person process feelings of stress, anger, and frustration.Similarly, engaging with — instead of ignoring — racism is likely to be beneficial.
2)Foster a strong sense of racial identity
Studies into racism and its effects on mental health have found that BIPOC who felt strongly about their racial identity were less likely to be distressed by racism and less likely to be physically or mentally affected by it.Therefore, having a well-developed sense of ethnic or racial identity may help blunt or buffer the effects of racism. However, research must continue in this area, as findings are still limited.
3)Lean on friends and family
Having a network of people to talk to for support, advice, and comfort can help people cope with racial discrimination. It can encourage a sense of security and identity and reduce negative thoughts and feelings.
Some studies have also found that having a strong support network may even combat depression.
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