The Mental Health Problem of Racism

The Mental Health Toll of Racism

https://www.psycom.net/mental-health-racism/

As we struggle with racism, I found this article to be interesting.

It first starts with the more available information:

• Income. In 2017 black men were paid less than 70 cents for every $1 paid to white men.

• Net worth. The white-black income gap in median net worth increased from $132,800 in 2013 to $153,500 in 2016.

• Employment rate. Black unemployment is consistently twice that of white unemployment.

• Health. Even the coronavirus is more likely to impact black Americans than white Americans.

Another source says this: “Almost 1 in 4 black Americans live in poverty, a rate twice that of white Americans. These groups are twice as likely to be uninsured. Black Americans are dying from COVID-19 at a rate three times that of other ethnicities, and they experience far higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, in part due to racial biases that permeate our healthcare institutions.”

Okay, we kind of suspected that.  But, what about mental health?

From the article, “According to research published by the American Psychological Association (APA), discrimination-related stress is linked to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression—even in children. This report doesn’t come as a surprise, but the severity of the problem may.”

The article suggests that race-based discrimination raises blood pressure, heart rate, and disrupts sleep.

The article suggests six ways to help lessen the effects of Race-based discrimination (and, really these apply to all of us).

-1 Focus on your strengths

We need to be strong in our core values and beliefs.  I have written frequently that “love will win”.  I do believe that, but we need to focus on the positive.

-2 Seek Support Systems

It used to be that my Black friends attended Black Churches.  But, if you have black acquaintances (or Hispanic or other minorities) in your synagogue or church, do you reach out to them?  Do you make all people feel welcome?  

-3 Get involved

Be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

In the last few weeks (even with social distancing), there have been speakers, discussions on “Black Lives Matter”.  When things get back to ‘normal’ (if they do get back to normal), reach out - find Blacks and those outside your comfort zone and befriend them (more later)

-4 Keep calm

We have seen videos of police beating black citizens for minor infractions.  While I suspect there may have been harsher treatment - above and beyond how whites might have been treated - keeping calm is better than yelling and fighting.  (Aside, fighting with the police will never come out in your favor).

-5 Don’t dwell on it

If we dwell on the negatives of the world, it becomes like a ‘cancer’ eating away at us.  “Life isn’t fair” - but thinking about the negatives doesn’t help.

-6 Seek professional help

It is hard to get professional help when you are unemployed - but there are ways to get help.  I regularly see a counselor.  Some churches have free counseling (like Stephen Ministers).

*****

Get involved

There is one black lady on our granny basketball team.  We actually joined the group on the same day.  I have emailed her to see if we can have coffee and build a relationship with her.  To make a friend, I have to be a friend!!!  I have even thought of finding a Black Church to visit and to support!!!

Back to a familiar song

“Let there be peace on Earth - and let it begin with ME!!!”

Hugs!!

Karen