Even though we’re well into the 21st century, racism is still running rampant throughout the world. It might look a bit different than it used to, but it still shows up in subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) ways.
However, even if you haven’t been a victim of racism directly, you might still feel the effects of it. The trauma associated with racism can last for generations, passing down through your family and community, and causing mental and emotional issues. The racism experienced by previous generations can affect the way you live your life, and it could be holding you back from true peace.
Let’s take a closer look at racism and trauma, and why the effects of racism can last for generations. Most importantly, we’ll dig into how you can break the cycle and find freedom from racial trauma.
Why the Trauma of Racism Continues
There are several factors that contribute to the lasting effects of racism. First, the transmission can come from your family history. If people in your family were victimized at one point, it could still affect you today. That includes experiences that happened a very long time ago, including slavery or segregation.
The cumulative trauma experienced by these historical events can contribute to a range of physical and psychological health problems passed down through families. It can also make you more susceptible to mental health issues, like anxiety or depression.
Closer to home, trauma can be passed on by grandparents or parents. It might be more likely that your parents or grandparents experienced racism or discrimination in their lives. If they shared their stories with you, or if that trauma impacted their mental health, it could have also impacted the way they parented and saw the world, passing those ideas on to you.
Continuing Factors
Systemic racism continues to impact people today, making it difficult to heal from past trauma. It might not be as obvious as it once was. However, things like unequal access to education and healthcare or limited opportunities for marginalized groups perpetuate the effects of previous trauma.
Marginalized communities are also often at a greater risk of things like violence and crime within their communities. Again, this perpetuates the cycle of trauma and makes it more difficult to overcome what’s been passed down from generation to generation.
What Are the Consequences?
The lasting effects of racial trauma might have a greater impact on your life than you think. Studies have shown that these effects contribute to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. They can also increase your risk of physical health issues, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The disparities often experienced by marginalized groups can cause lower rates of school attendance and a lack of access to higher education, as well as economic inequalities.
Learning to Break the Cycle
In a perfect world, systemic racism would be a thing of the past. Again, it might look different today, but it’s still a major problem. While you might not be able to put a stop to it, you can prioritize your own well-being, as well as your family’s mental health.
Consider reaching out to a mental health professional, especially one who specializes in the effects of racial trauma or generational trauma. Not only will trauma therapy help you better understand the root of your trauma, but you’ll learn healthy, effective ways to overcome it and break the cycle for future generations. You’ll also learn how to prioritize self-care, which can make it easier to treat yourself with kindness and compassion, rather than carrying around the weight of guilt or shame often associated with trauma.
If you’re ready to break that cycle and stop the effects of racial trauma in your family, contact me today to set up an appointment.