Racial Trauma is not new in the Black community. However the visibility has increased due to video recordings and social media and communities of color are all exposed.

Learn how to address racial trauma

Racial Trauma is not a new phenomenon in the Black community.

However, the visibility surrounding incidents of racial trauma has increased due to video recordings and social media. Therefore, in addition to the trauma the community faces when racialized events happen, individuals from communities or color all over the country are exposed to this trauma vicariously. The purpose of this fact sheet is to offer tools for psychologists and mental health professionals to use when addressing racial trauma with their clients.

What is Racial Trauma?

Racial trauma is the stressful impact or emotional pain of one’s experience with racism and discrimination. Additionally, racial trauma may or may not be linked to a specific event but can be experienced in the racism and discrimination one may face in daily living.

The Impact of Racial Trauma on Black Mental Health

Race-based trauma impacts emotional and psychological well-being. As a result, the individual can experience any of the following symptomology: sadness, low interest in activities, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, irritability, depression, emotional withdrawal, reckless behavior, generalized anxiety, powerlessness, feelings of shame, a disconnect from others, low self-esteem, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbance.

Addressing Racial Trauma in the Community

Emotional Emancipation Circles (EEC) — Consider starting an EEC in your community. EECs are safe, flexible gatherings in which we, as Black people, can share our stories, deepen our understanding of the impact of historical forces and racial trauma on our emotional lives, and learn essential emotional wellness skills to help us be at our best.

Addressing Racial Trauma with an Individual

Empathy and Understanding – These are the keys to acknowledging the hurt and pain.

Be Emotionally Present – Do what you can to process the parts of race-based stories that bother you the most with your colleagues and peers before working with the client. Be authentic, but remember you are there for the client and not the other way around.

Create a Safe Space – Clients may need a space where they can express emotion about the situation, so create an environment in which this can happen.

Centering Skills – Assist the clients with becoming aware of their own feelings (i.e., how racialized events may be affecting him/her on a daily basis).

Unplugging from Media/Social Media – For the purpose of self-care, explain to clients that they may need to step back from social media in order to prevent re-traumatization.

Community Volunteer Opportunities – Encourage clients to create opportunities which build communal support and create positive energy from the tragedy.

Practice Self-Love – Assist clients with building a positive self-image to reaffirm their beauty as a person of color.