Unfortunately, racism seldom comes as a surprise, which is bad news for marginalized communities. Although it occasionally surprises, it can also be depressing, frightening, and irrational.
When someone has endured years of bigotry, discrimination, and unfair treatment, it can inevitably feel like they are constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.
And while encountering discrimination is never unexpected, it is always harmful. And the damage is more extensive than you probably realize.
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Whether discrimination manifests as serious issues like being refused access to good healthcare or as seemingly minor issues like microaggressions, it has significant and enduring repercussions.
Discrimination of any kind, but particularly those based on racial and ethnic identities, severely affects mental health.
And the repercussions go beyond only your mental health.
Higher Stress Levels
People who experience discrimination frequently experience elevated levels of stress.
Discriminatory situations set off our stress response, which causes a flurry of physiological reactions like headaches, an elevated heart rate, and more. In situations where discrimination is still ongoing, the stress reaction prolongs.
Increased Levels Of Anxiety
Research shows that people from minority racial and ethnic backgrounds who experience discrimination on certain aspects of their identity report higher anxiety levels, more psychological distress, depression, and generally worse moods.
Some anticipating emotions, such as the fear that you won’t be accepted in particular settings, can increase anxiety. This can only lead to more unsettling emotions.
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It Makes People Feel Unsafe.
Safety is a basic human need. Without protection, it is impossible to succeed and even difficult to just survive. Your safety is torn away if you endure persistent discrimination, frequently without warning.
People must continually assess their environment to determine whether they feel safe being themselves in particular locations.
Discrimination and antisemitism attempt to make us doubt our worth, which we do, but they also aim to isolate us.