Introduction
I was surprised to learn that experiencing racism can induce post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most people are aware that racism is psychologically disturbing, but do not draw a link between racism and PTSD (Helms et al., 2012).
Discussion
I think the hesitation to acknowledge how experiencing racism can trigger PTSD speaks to the normalization of racism. Racism and ethnoviolence are seen as bad experiences but not ones that are distressing enough to cause a mental disorder. It implies that many people think PTSD is caused by “serious” events, and experiencing racism is upsetting but not trauma-inducing. Some people even claim that systemic racism does not exist. America still has a long way to go to solve the racism problem.
To help victims of race-based traumatic stress injury, I think it imperative for service workers such as psychologists, social workers, physicians, and nurses to acknowledge this mental disorder. Service workers regularly work with people of color who could have experienced racial discrimination (Helms et al., 2012). For instance, if a Black child experiencing symptoms of PTSD, such as anxiety and clinical stress, a child psychologist needs to know that these symptoms could be due to experiencing racism at school. With this knowledge, the psychologist will tailor their treatment plan to the experiences of the child. When working with clients, social workers should consider all the factors that affect them, including their race.
Conclusion
While the paper was enlightening, I believe more research is needed to understand the extent to which experiencing racism affects people. I am certain that research could show a link between ethnoviolence and mental disorders such as clinical depression, social anxiety, and acute stress disorder. Racism is truly dehumanizing, and it is no surprise that the brain can react to it by triggering a traumatic response.
Reference
Helms, J. E., Nicolas, G., & Green, C. E. (2012). Racism and ethnoviolence as trauma: Enhancing professional and research training. Traumatology, 18(1), 65-74.