Racial Trauma
Racial trauma is a form of race-based stress experienced by POC in reaction to dangerous events and racial discrimination, including witnessing racial discrimination toward other POC. Racial trauma involves individual and collective injuries from exposure and reexposure to race-based stress; the injuries are ongoing, lifelong, and often intergenerational. Racism contributes to chronically elevated stress hormone levels that can lead to changes in the brain, immune system, and DNA. This all results in negative physical and mental health outcomes. Healing racial trauma is complicated because racism is relentless. This is why you must work on your self-care and seek support. Tell your loved ones what you need and get professional help, because you can't get through this alone. If you aren't sure where to find professional help, I will help you find resources that you can access based on your needs. I am not a trauma therapist, but it is my duty to help those in need find appropriate care.