Relationship Between Racism and Anxiety
Racism is a deeply ingrained belief system or ideology, that holds prejudice against individuals or groups based on their perceived racial or ethnic background. It involves the delusion that certain races are inherently superior or inferior to others, leading to unequal treatment, unfair opportunities, and social, economic, and political disadvantages. Racism can be displayed through discrimination, microaggressions, direct racism, and implicit bias. It can show itself in the form of a hateful slur or a heinous hate crime, but either way the impact is grave. Millions of people are victims to racism each and every day, and as result suffer from trauma and anxiety.
Anxiety disorders are typically categorized into several distinct conditions in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Here are some of the primary anxiety disorders recognized in the DSM-5: Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD), Panic Disorders, Social Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Race-Based Traumatic Stress.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder encompasses other anxiety disorders like panic attacks, social anxiety, and PTSD. GAD is characterized by excessive worrying, sleep disturbance, racing thoughts and heart rates, and can lead to headaches, stomach aches, and muscle tension. Individuals suffering from GAD may find it hard to focus and may experience excessive thoughts of self-doubt. If not managed, GAD can become chronic and impact daily life.
In one of the studies highlighted in the article titled “Anxiety- Related Disorders in Context of Racism,” police brutality was “21% of the total effect …on GAD” (Macintyre, Zare, and Williams 2023). In addition, in the same sample of people, more than 50% of the participants also reported having a negative encounter with the police. In another study that included “3,570 African Americans, 1,438 Afro Caribbeans, and 891 non-Hispanic whites… race-based discrimination was related to considerably increased odds of endorsing lifetime GAD, only for African Americans”(Macintyre, Zare, and Williams 2023). Social determinants of health, such as economic disparities, housing instability, and limited access to educational and employment opportunities, can create additional stressors that contribute to anxiety disorders.
Panic Disorder
Experiencing racism, discrimination, or microaggressions can be highly distressing. The chronic stress associated with these experiences can increase overall anxiety levels. People who have experienced racism may become hypervigilant, constantly on guard for potential threats or discriminatory incidents. This heightened state of alertness can contribute to even more anxiety and potentially trigger panic attacks.
Research suggests that because mental health issues are often seen as taboo in some cultures, it often goes unmanaged. Statistically, “panic disorders was expressed and reported by Non-Hispanic whites at greater rates” than were reported by the black participants. In addition, limited access to quality and culturally competent mental Healthcare can further prevent culturally diverse individuals from finding adequate care. Therefore, it is crucial for Mental health professionals to be trained in cultural competency to understand the unique experiences and needs of individuals who have experienced racism. Additionally, Coping mechanisms should be adapted to address different personal experiences.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), is characterized by an intense and persistent fear of social situations and a fear of being negatively judged or evaluated by others. SAD is prevalent particularly in individuals from racial or ethnic minority groups. According to their article, Macintyre, Zare, and Williams recognize linguistic racism, or discrimination based on language or dialect, to be one of the root causes of social anxiety amongst ethnic minorities. Language-based racism can lead to the stigmatization of already marginalized communities and can attribute to furthering unfair treatment and biases.
Another factor that has been associated with SAD is internalized racism. Internalized racism refers to the unconscious or conscious acceptance and internalization of racial biases, stereotypes, prejudices, and discriminatory attitudes towards one’s own racial or ethnic group. Individuals with internalized racism may develop low self-esteem and engage in self-blame, attributing negative outcomes to their racial identity. Internalized racism can isolate the individual being affected causing them to distance themselves from their own cultural practices, traditions, and communities. The feeling of loneliness and isolation can exacerbate anxiety and or depression that much further.
PTSD and Race-Based Trauma
Individuals who have been subjected to hate crimes, racial profiling, or racial harassment may develop PTSD symptoms as a result. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, and intense emotional distress. According to Macintyre, Zare, and Williams, “polyvictimization and violent death exposure among Black adolescents resulted in considerably higher posttraumatic stress and maladaptive grief symptoms compared to their White counterparts.” Treatment for PTSD related to racism may involve trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.
Race-based trauma can also have profound emotional and psychological effects, contributing to feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, and hopelessness. Racial Trauma involves continuous and collective injuries resulting from repeated exposure to race-based stressors, discrimination, and racism. It’s not limited to a single traumatic event, as is often the case with PTSD. Instead, it encompasses the cumulative impact of systemic racism and interpersonal discrimination. Trauma-informed care emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment in the therapeutic relationship.
Education about the psychological impact of racism and discrimination will be essential for healthcare professionals in order to provide the best treatments. Advocacy for anti-racist policies and practices in healthcare, education, criminal justice, and other sectors will also be essential to reduce the stressors associated with racism. We need to invest time and increase funding for inclusive Research that explores the connections between racism, discrimination, and mental health outcomes. Lastly, treatment plans and coping mechanisms need to be adapted to address all individuals.
References:
MacIntyre, M.M., Zare, M. & Williams, M. Anxiety-Related Disorders in the Context of Racism. Curr Psychiatry Rep 25, 31–43 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01408-2