The impact of racism on mental health is profound and far-reaching. People of color and those whose lives have been historically marginalized experience life differently from those who have not faced systemic discrimination. The persistent and often subtle realities of racism create a mental health burden that must be acknowledged and addressed.
Racism as a Mental Health Issue
Racism is not just a social or political issue – it is a mental health crisis. Racism causes trauma, and trauma is directly linked to mental illnesses. Studies have shown that past trauma is a leading cause of serious mental health conditions, and for many BIPOC individuals, racism is an ongoing source of trauma (MHA, n.d.).
The effects of racism extend beyond explicit acts of discrimination. Everyday experiences such as racial profiling, the avoidance of people and neighborhoods due to prejudice, inequitable financial opportunities, mass incarceration, and the exclusion of BIPOC contributions in educational curricula all contribute to racial trauma (MHA, n.d.). This continuous exposure to racial stressors can lead to long-term psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This continuous exposure to racial stressors can lead to long-term psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Types of Racism and Their Impact
To understand how racism affects mental health, it is crucial to recognize its different forms:
- Systemic/Structural Racism: Rooted in history, culture, and institutions, systemic racism upholds inequality through policies and societal norms, making it challenging to dismantle.
- Interpersonal Racism: Occurs between individuals, manifesting as direct prejudice or discriminatory actions.
- Institutional Racism: This takes place within institutions, where policies and practices create disparities in opportunities and treatment.
- Internalized Racism: BIPOC individuals may unconsciously adopt negative beliefs about their own racial group, which can impact self-esteem and mental well-being.
The Role of Racism in Mental Health Services
Racism also influences the mental health care system. Black men are four times more likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia compared to their white counterparts, while their symptoms of mood disorders are often overlooked (ScienceDaily, 2019). BIPOC youth with behavioral health conditions are more frequently directed to the juvenile justice system rather than receiving appropriate mental health care. Additionally, language barriers, stigma surrounding mental illness, and cultural misunderstandings contribute to the underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of mental health conditions in BIPOC communities.
The Lasting Effects of Racial Trauma
The psychological effects of racism are evident in the disproportionate rates of mental health conditions among BIPOC populations. Black adults are 20% more likely to report serious psychological distress than while adults. Despite lower reported rates of depression among Black (24.6%) and Hispanic (19.6%) individuals compared to white individuals (34.7%), depression in BIPOC communities tends to be more persistent and undertreated.
In addition to the obvious mental toll racism takes, stress hormones released in response to racial discrimination can lead to physical health conditions, too. Psychological stress has been found to directly influence the body’s ability to regulate its inflammatory response. When this occurs, researchers found individuals are at a higher risk for developing heart disease and infectious diseases (Carnegie Mellon University, 2012).
These early-life challenges can have long-term consequences, shaping a child’s emotional development, academic performance, and future opportunities.
Research has found that racism has a profound effect on the mental and physical well-being of youth as well. “Researchers now believe that racial disparities have far-reaching effects as children develop, including infant mortality rates, mental health problems (e.g., depression and anxiety), and behavioral issues (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)” (Stanton, 2019). These early-life challenges can have long-term consequences, shaping a child’s emotional development, academic performance, and future opportunities.
Moving Forward: What Can Be Done?
Dismantling racism and its far-reaching effects isn’t something that is going to happen overnight, but that doesn’t mean it’s an impossible task. While racism itself may never go away entirely, there is much that can be done systemically to lessen its impact.
To combat the mental health effects of racism, it is essential to implement culturally competent mental health care, increase access to mental health services for BIPOC communities, and address systemic inequities. Education and awareness can help dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health in marginalized communities and ensure that those affected receive the support they need.
Recognizing racism as a mental health issue is the first step toward healing. By acknowledging the burden of racial trauma and working toward systemic change, we can create a more equitable and mentally healthy society for all.
References:
Carnegie Mellon University. (2012, April 2). How stress influences disease: Study reveals inflammation as the culprit. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 11, 2025 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402162546.htm
Mental Health America. (n.d.). “Racism and Mental Health.” Retrieved from https://mhanational.org/racism-and-mental-health
ScienceDaily. (2019, March 21). Racism may accelerate aging in African Americans, study finds. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190321130300.htm.
Stanton, M. V. (2019, August 21). How racism affects youth health and well-being. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/201908/how-racism-affects-youth-health-and-well-being
