Racial Trauma
5 WAYS TO CARE FOR YOURSELF WHEN DEALING WITH RACIAL TRAUMA
In the wake of the recent grand jury decision regarding Breonna Taylor, many are experiencing outrage and disbelief. For Black people in particular, the decision represents yet another profound loss and continued lack of justice for violence against Black women.
Our community is hurting. This pain is intensified by the backdrop of Covid-19 (which disproportionately affects BIPOC) and the protests following George Floyd’s murder, serving as another reminder that our society is also fighting other widespread social pandemics - White supremacy, anti-Black racism, and institutional oppression related to policing. Many Black people are asking each other “How do we continue showing up to work, putting on a ‘professional’ smile, and acting as if we are not grieving, as if our humanity is not constantly under threat?”
These experiences contribute to what is called racial trauma. Common responses include anxiety, depression, anger, trouble concentrating, flashbacks, emotional numbing, being on edge, and loss of hope. Racial trauma often shows up in our bodies in the form of physical aches, fatigue, and appetite changes. It can lead to unhelpful ways of coping such as isolating or increased drug and alcohol use. Given the research about the impact of racial stress on Black physical and mental health, it’s essential to use practices to support wellness.
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