Racism and Mental Health

As a parent, it is extremely frightening to send a child into a world filled with prejudice and oppression. Many black parents feel that their children are mistreated for expressing anger, fear, joy, or for simply existing. This makes it seemingly impossible to protect them from harm while allowing them to thrive.

This unacceptable, yet embedded racism negatively impacts black children from a young age – from receiving harsher disciplinary action at school as compared to their white counterparts to their neutral facial expressions viewed as more aggressive than their white peers.

These early interactions of racism negatively impact the mental health of black children, causing or worsening conditions like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse disorders, and/or suicidal thoughts. However, research shows that being taught coping skills at home can lessen the prevalence or impact of mental health issues caused by racism amongst children. These coping skills can be taught preemptively or in response to triggering events.

1. Don’t shy away from the topic

The American Psychological Association (APA) encourages parents to speak openly to children about racism in an age-appropriate manner, as not talking about it can actually lead to more distress later due to the shock of unexpected exposure.

2. Help children process their emotions

As adults, witnessing racism is extremely emotionally upsetting. It is even more so upsetting to children who are still developing the skill of managing their emotions. Research shows that validating and being sensitive to children’s feelings of fear, anger, and sadness helps them learn to effectively cope with these emotions. It also helps to prevent depression, anxiety, and behavior problems.

3. Surround children with love and joy

Facing discrimination and racism can negatively impact a child’s sense of self-worth and overall health. Having positive, warm, and supportive relationships can buffer against these negative impacts. Unconditional love and support from friends and family send children counter messages that boost their confidence and self-esteem.

4. Celebrating cultural identity

Having a strong sense of racial identity can protect against mental health issues associated with racism. This might include learning their family history or the history of their community, taking part in cultural activities or traditions, finding role models, or participating in activism.

5. Knowing how to access help

Sometimes learning to cope with the impact of racism is not enough and professional help may be required. There are many resources for parents and children, with many tailored specifically for black communities. These resources are developed by people who understand how oppressive systems contribute to mental health conditions.