What is Racial Trauma?
Racial trauma, also sometimes referred to as race-based traumatic stress (RBTS), refers to mental and emotional stress that is a result of racial bias, discrimination, and hate crimes. Those individuals who experience these types of encounters can subsequently deal with negative repercussions.
The Mental Health Impacts of Racial Trauma
Individuals who experience racial trauma not only deal with the initial event, but with the lingering negative effects. Many individuals experience post-traumatic stress disorder, which can bring with it depression, anger, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and low self-esteem.
While RBTS can look similar to PTSD, it is not considered a mental health disorder, rather it is considered a mental injury that occurs as a result of experiencing racial injustice.
Symptoms of RBTS
While a formal diagnosis of RBTS requires that an individual be assessed by a qualified mental health professional, many people can self-assess to determine if they may be suffering as a result of RBTS.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of racial trauma:
Distress
You may find yourself constantly thinking about or reliving the event. This can include having flashbacks or nightmares,
Avoidance
Are you avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the event? For example, someone who experiences a traumatic situation in their apartment building may feel the need to move. Or someone who experienced a frightening situation at a favorite park may avoid that park from now on.
Anxiety and Depression
It is common for victims of racial trauma to suffer from intense anxiety and/or depression.
A Lack of Trust or Security
A person may lose trust in others and begin to feel unsafe, even in their own home.
Dissociation
This describes when a person feels numb or disconnected from their own life and the people in it.
Ready to Talk to a Therapist in Florida Regarding Racial Trauma?
Our Florida therapists are available to clarify any questions or concerns you may have. You don’t need to go through this alone. Follow these steps to get support now.
- Contact us for a free consultation with a Trauma therapist.
- Schedule your first appointment at our Winter Park, FL-based therapy practice or online throughout Florida.
- Gain an understanding and create a plan to break free from your concerns.
Other Counseling Services Offered at The Mindful Practice in Florida
Our therapists offer other services such as ADD/ADHD counseling and grief counseling to name a few at our practice in Winter Park, FL, we use techniques such as EMDR therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and more to help you heal! Get started with in-person or online therapy in Florida today. Reach out today to start your healing journey.