5 Ways To Deal with Racial Trauma

Our reality as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) is that the societal system was not built to favor us nor sustain us. The odds have always been against black and brown people.

You would think that in the 21^st century, we would have made substantial progress with the fight for equality; to be seen and heard as humans but no! The police brutality, over-representation in the justice system, racial stereotyping, microaggressions, dissenting politics and overall less-than-human treatment is our everyday reality.

Why do we consider it a miracle when our loved ones make it home? Because we know that every day feels like a fight when your skin color is seen as a weapon.

Can you imagine the negative mental impact BIPOC children are exposed to?

Everything is recorded and put on display these days and that keeps triggering the trauma we’ve been dealing with for centuries. Our trauma continues to be passed down generations like a distinctive DNA marker.

Not forgetting the collective racial trauma that the media perpetuates through stereotypes about BIPOC. The prejudice and unfair labeling contributes to the outside world’s perception of who we are thus making it hard to exist and thrive in a world that sees us through the shallow lens of our skin color. Race has everything to do our trauma as BIPOC. It’s the thin line between life and death for us.

Defining racial trauma and its effects on BIPOC

Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event like a crime. Racial trauma is the emotional damage caused by continued exposure to stress because of racial discrimination.

BIPOC individuals don’t have to experience racial prejudice directly in order to have racial trauma. Information can catapult racial trauma through a domino effect like what happens with the senseless murders of unarmed black people by police. It can also be passed down generations consequently causing trauma through posterity.

Because of repeated experiences with racism, people of color are more likely to experience anger, sadness, depression, and fear which can drain them mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Real-time events and statistics that are propelling racial trauma today;

• The Asian community is at a greater risk of racial discrimination with the spread of the COVID-19 virus and its origins in China. Other races blame them for ‘bringing the virus’ which puts them at risk of being attacked and undermined.
• 33% of COVID-19 deaths have been of black people who have a higher death rate in comparison to other races in the U.S. Underlying health conditions like obesity have contributed to these unfortunate deaths and the lack of health insurance thus most cannot seek treatment.
• Latinos make up the majority of essential workers which put them at a greater risk of contracting COVID-19. A majority are also not documented which means they can’t receive government aid through stimulus checks nor receive healthcare.
• The Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome theory by Dr. Joy Degruy suggests that trauma from institutionalized racism continues to plague black people through unhealthy views of self, depression, hopelessness and self-defeating behaviors in black people.
• BIPOC stand a greater risk of developing racial trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with a higher risk rate among Native Americans who are also more likely to commit suicide than any other ethnicity. Black Americans stand a 25% chance of PTSD because of their constant exposure to violence.

5 ways BIPOC can cope with Racial Trauma

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde

The path to healing is not an easy one but it’s necessary. Even when our backs are against the wall, we must continue to seek that which brings us restoration.

We must do it for ourselves because nobody else will and we should leave no-one behind if we are to survive any of this. There is a lot that is beyond us but what we do ha

ve is each other. We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams but we are not free until we are mentally and emotionally free.

• There is strength in sharing.

  Don’t keep your racial experiences to yourself lest they eat you up. Talk it out with trusted friends and family who may also have experienced the same. Seek therapy. This lessens the burden of individually carrying the weight of your trauma.

• Be part of the change.

  Join the peaceful protests and activism. Use your platforms to speak against racial injustices. Don’t sit back and watch discrimination happen just because it didn’t happen to you directly. The reality is that it could be you tomorrow.

• Limit your exposure to negative news on racism.

  Information can be useful but not at the expense of your mental health. Consume what you must in moderation but don’t overindulge as it may cause you to develop anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

• Self-care is your power.

  Extend grace and kindness to yourself when dealing with racial trauma. Be a little more compassionate with yourself through the process. Get enough rest, hydrate, and eat well.

• Channel your emotions the right way.

  Develop an emotional coping strategy like journaling, taking a walk, dancing, taking time out. Do more of what makes you happy and brings you peace.

You don’t have to deal with racial trauma alone. Our culturally competent therapists are only a call away from providing you with trauma-informed care to help you heal. Schedule your 15 min consultation today!