Race-based trauma refers to the psychological and emotional distress experienced by individuals who have been exposed to racism, discrimination, and prejudice. It can occur as a result of direct or indirect experiences of racism, including interpersonal racism, institutional racism, and systemic racism.
Race-based trauma can have a range of effects on an individual's mental health and well-being, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and complex trauma. It can also impact an individual's sense of self, identity, and relationships.
Examples of race-based trauma may include experiencing racial profiling, discrimination in the workplace or school, being the victim of a hate crime, or witnessing acts of racism against oneself or others.
It's important to note that race-based trauma is a result of systemic issues and not the fault of the individual who experiences it. Treatment for race-based trauma may involve addressing the underlying trauma and developing healthy coping strategies to manage the effects of racism on an individual's life.