What Is Racial Trauma?
Unfortunately, there are still severe consequences for being a person of color in the United States. Both systemic racism and individual bias make being a non-white person in this country more difficult than it should be.
In certain cases, those who experience racial discrimination develop traits in line with people recovering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While we may not be able to dismantle the system of prejudice in the United States individually, we can do what it takes to look after ourselves and our loved ones. To learn more about racial based trauma and how you can take care of yourself, keep reading.
Taking a look at trauma
“Trauma” has turned into a bit of a buzzword in the past few years. People seem to call almost anything trauma. But what really is it? Essentially, trauma is the way our body and mind react to a horrific event. Almost anything can cause long-lasting trauma in the body.
Defining racial trauma
Otherwise known as race-based traumatic stress, racial trauma is what people of color develop when faced with discrimination and acts of systemic racism. Constant exposure to microaggressions, racism, and even violence begins to wear down on POC, and understandably so.
Regardless of whether or not you have experienced a targeted act or you have simply seen the way POC are treated in this country, you can still be living with racial trauma. Both individuals and communities as a whole can suffer from racial trauma. While this is a subset of trauma as a whole, there are certain steps you can take to heal from racial trauma specifically.
Examining the impact
Unlike more traditional types of PTSD, racial trauma is more nuanced. Since the system is not designed for POC, examining the far-reaching effects is difficult, if not impossible. Additionally, there is no exact way to prevent becoming retraumatized by society again and again.
Consistent racial trauma can create low self-worth and a negative self-image. It also leads to emotional symptoms such as dissociation and avoidance of certain places or people. This is not meant to discourage you. Rather, I want to point out the traits associated with racial trauma so you can begin to cope in a constructive and productive manner.
Learning to cope
The good news is that once you are able to recognize the impact of racial trauma on your life, you can start taking strides to cope. Incorporate some of the following to better manage your symptoms.
Connect with your community: Discussing common experiences with other POC is an incredibly cathartic step you can take to cope with your trauma. Unfortunately, very few POC have not dealt with some sort of racial trauma. Connect with your community to put you back in touch with people who understand your experiences.
Limit your media consumption: While it is very important to stay up to date on current events and the happenings of the world, sometimes, we can fall into a media black hole. If the news you see on a daily basis is highly impacting your quality of life, it is ok to take a step back.
Practice self-care: Being a POC can be difficult. You should always be sure to practice the highest level of self-care that you can, whatever that means to you.
Life as a POC in the United States can be difficult, but I want to help make it easier for you. Seeking professional help from a licensed mental health counselor is one of the best ways you can explore self-care and put yourself first. While I may not be able to completely eradicate the pain you have felt, I hope I can ease your burden. Get in touch today so that we can begin to work toward stronger mental health together in trauma therapy.
