Racial Trauma's Mental Health Impact and 5 Pathways to Healing

Understanding the Deep-Rooted Consequences of Racialized Trauma

Source: Originally published on The Conversation by Char Newton, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of North Dakota

Introduction

Racial trauma, often overlooked, has profound and lasting effects on mental health. In this article, Char Newton, a clinical psychologist and professor, dives into the repercussions of racialized trauma, especially among Black individuals, and offers five holistic pathways towards healing.

Racialized Trauma and Its Psychological Impact

Racialized trauma, as defined by the American Psychological Association, encompasses distressing experiences that induce fear, helplessness, dissociation, confusion, or other disruptive feelings with enduring negative consequences on a person's well-being and behavior. Such trauma can result from a range of race-based events, from racial slurs and denied opportunities to racial profiling and hate crimes. These experiences often leave people of color with profound psychological wounds, including heightened hypervigilance, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and diminished self-esteem.

A Personal Account

Newton shares the story of a 29-year-old Black woman who, despite significant academic achievements, faced devaluation and exclusion in her predominantly white work environment. These experiences triggered anxiety, sadness, and hopelessness, contributing to a decline in her self-esteem.

Five Holistic Pathways to Healing

Newton outlines five essential steps to healing from racialized trauma:

1. Understanding the Impact: The first step involves recognizing the psychological effects of racialized trauma and acquiring strategies for well-being.
2. Promoting Higher Self-Esteem: Affirming personal strengths and dispelling negative beliefs can empower individuals to cope with racialized trauma effectively.
3. Building Resilience: Tenacity during adversity is crucial. Connecting with individuals, family, and community can foster resilience and enhance self-esteem, especially when focusing on cultural strengths.
4. Empowerment: Finding strength in personal choices, such as supporting Black-owned businesses, attending cultural events, and pursuing financial independence, is fundamental for cultivating a positive self-image.
5. Community Connection: Fostering a sense of community helps combat feelings of isolation provoked by racialized trauma, promoting a sense of belonging.

Conclusion

While healing from racialized trauma may seem daunting due to centuries of systemic injustices, these five pathways offer tangible tools to address the wounds caused by racial trauma. By understanding the impacts, building resilience, promoting empowerment, and fostering a sense of community, individuals can find hope and overcome the lasting effects of racialized trauma.

This article was originally published on MSN