On average, 7 out of 10 African Americans have experienced racial discrimination or police bias in their lifetime. Despite this prevalence, racial trauma remains a largely uncharted territory.
While we’ve made significant strides in fostering equality and justice, the truth is that we have a long way to go to eliminate racism. On that note, this post seeks to shed more light on racial-based trauma. You’ll learn the definition, signs and coping mechanisms of racial trauma. Let’s dig in:
What Is Racial Trauma?
Racial trauma is the emotional distress that blacks, indigenous and other people of color experience after being subjected to racial discrimination. This kind of trauma doesn’t only affect people who experience racism directly. Rather, it also affects those who witness their friends, colleagues and family members being racially discriminated against.
Oftentimes, this trauma remains untreated because victims don’t realize that they’re suffering from it. If you’ve experienced any form of racism – whether directly or indirectly – you should take a closer look at your emotional health. If you notice any of the following signs, be sure to seek professional help. Symptoms of racial trauma typically include:
- Stress relating to the racial-bias incident – you may find yourself thinking critically or reliving the ordeal you went through. In the worst case scenarios, some experience constant flashbacks and nightmares; hence, making it difficult to sleep.
- Constantly avoids things or places that remind the victim of the incident – this can pose a major challenge in the victim’s life, especially if the place in question is their school or workplace.
- Extreme worry and anxiety – some even suffer abrupt panic attacks.
- Heightened sensitivity – the victim becomes rattled by certain things like the loud noises or burning smells.
Ways to Deal with Racial Trauma
If you or a loved one have been experiencing racial trauma, there are a couple of things you can do to cope.
Acknowledge Your Own Reality
Whenever you experience racial bias, it’s easy to think that you were at fault. Many assume that they did something wrong. Others sweep the ordeal under the rug and move on like nothing happened.
However, this is not the best way to cope. You should acknowledge that racism is real, and racial trauma is real. More importantly, embrace the fact that what happened wasn’t your fault.
Talk to Someone
Once you’ve come to terms with the racial incident, it’s time to talk to someone. Look for a professional who offers trauma-centered psychotherapy. Such an expert will help you process the emotions you’re going through and identify healthy coping strategies.
Minimize Social Media Exposure
Another thing that might help is cutting back on social media use. This way, you can avoid coming across news that triggers anxiety or worry.
Give Yourself Time to Recover
There’s nothing wrong with taking a break from your daily routine. Give yourself as much time as you need to process and recover from the traumatic event.
If your current environment is not encouraging your recovery, visit your relatives upcountry. Or, visit that longtime friend you’ve always wanted to visit but never got a chance to. “A healing heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)
