Why Racism Isn't a Personal Issue, It's a Trauma Issue

You hear about someone who was hurt. You hear about someone  who was ignored. Not promoted at work for some reason. You hear of a team meeting where there are the same few people who are listened to. A school committee where there are some voices that always tend to be louder and more important than others. And this angers you. Especially if you’ve ever been in one of those positions, or if someone you love has been in a position of being ignored, shamed, disrespected or passively or actively dismissed. 

Why you get angry when you hear about injustice

Now, you may relate to being fat shamed, at an instance where someone in the medical field blamed your diagnosis on your weight. You may have been brain shamed for not being the smartest person in the room. You may have been family shamed for not yet being at the family stage you’re “expected” to be at.

You may have been actively or passively ignored or unseen at work for being a specific gender, orientation or for holding an unpopular belief. Whatever it is or was, it stings. And it stings really badly because we all want to belong. We are social creatures and we all need to fit in somewhere, with someone. 

Now, turning this to today’s world, let’s look at how this relates to racism.

Yes, racism is about belonging. It’s even bigger, it's about respect, equality, it’s about being ignored and unseen. Are there any cultures who are perfect? No. Every. Single. Community. Culture. Race. has strengths and weaknesses. We are all human and we need to operate with each other out of respect while we are all focused on growth.

Why my opinion isn’t personal, it’s professional

Now, you may be wondering why it’s my place to say something when professionals are meant to keep political beliefs private. Well, because I’m a therapist and I stand for health and healing. And that doesn't only mean tending to emotional, neurological and psychological bruises and hurts after the fact, it’s also just as much about prevention. We all live in a world and each of our systems we operate and live in, impacts us in a big way. So when worldwide events are going on, it is my duty to speak up, just as I would speak up for you if I saw that you were going through a trauma or being ignored, neglected, hurt or abused. 

Now, here are some things to know.

Racial trauma is a real thing 

Racial trauma is the experience of being traumatized due to racism. Compared to white Americans, people of color have higher rates of PTSD, and one of the strong factors is racism.  Racial trauma can be brought on due to a compilation of small occurrences such as daily micro-aggressions or “subtle” discriminations. These leave an impact just as much as hate crimes or workplace discriminations or outright racism. Many times the “subtle” racism isn't identified because it’s covert and not as obvious, but the hurt and sting hurt just as much. It’s like being purposely left out of the “in group” but you’re met with silence and confusion so you feel even worse. 

 Why Racial Trauma is Overlooked

Often, many individuals aren’t aware of the impact of discrimination, including those in medical and mental health field. They may fail to inquire about an individuals’ experience  with discrimination or racism due to negligence, oblivion or due to their own discomfort and desire to avoid the “uncomfortable” topics, or have not been properly trained about how to inquire about racial issues.   Many times, experiences that are deeply impactful aren't on the conventional “checklists” of things to ask when assessing a patient.  Questions such as workplace racial harassment, racial profiling or being bullied for how you look , distressing medical treatment, immigration, overt racial slurs or community violence can belong to DSM-5 Criterion A events for PTSD but are often not given the necessary attention. (Malcoun, Williams, & Bahojb-Nouri, 2015).

If you’re a professional, here’s a useful assessment

UConn Racial/ Ethnic Stress & Trauma Survey is a  measure offered in English and Spanish. It provides a  comprehensive assessment of race-based trauma relative to the existing measures. This assessment is done in an interview style and it supports a conversation between the client and therapist so they can build rapport while moving along with the assessment . The UnREST is a wonderful tool for  clinicians who need some structure in asking about racially-charged topics.  (UnRESTS; Williams, Metzger, Leins, & DeLapp, 2018).

The results of the UnRESTS are then reviewed and determined if symptoms are present in each of the critical area that would lead to a PTSD diagnosis according to the DSM-5. 

Now, even if you’re not a helping professional, knowing this information can be helpful as it gives you the awareness to be on the lookout for the silent but strong realities. 

If you want to expand your knowledge and broaden the way you understand racism, here are some books: 

Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World and Become a good Ancestor

White Fragility and Why It’s So Hard for White People to Discuss Racism

And if you’re black or identify as BIPOC, here are some ideas for you as you navigate the time ahead. 

1} Wisefully Choose Who You Want Around, and Those You Don’t

You can take a comfortable level of distance from those who aren’t supportive to you.

2} Surround Yourself with Community

Find those people who align with your values and beliefs, and are there who “get” you. Be around those people so you feel secure and supported.

3} Release the Tense Energy Through Movement

The world events and stressors cause tension to build up inside. Make sure to engage in some kind of movement to get the anxiety out of your body. Dance, run, sing, move, shake or just stretch. All of these are good for you.

4} Amp Up your Self Care. 

It’s easy to fall off the self care bandwagon when the world gets noisy. But, essentially now is a time to check in on your sleeping, eating, drinking, praying/meditating and any other routine that keeps you focused and strong.  Do whatever you need to tend for yourself as you find the best ways to support yourself and remind yourself of who you are.

Thank you for joining me in this important conversation.

When we acknowledge each of our roles and the power we have, we can make an impact, one person at a time. Wherever you are, whatever you are, I support you.

Let’s spread kindness and love.

Esther