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Racist behavior can put a lot of stress on the person experiencing it. This is a condition known as racial trauma . In community groups that are still closely related to racism and discrimination, racial trauma is one of the main problems that need more attention.
The following is the full review.
What is that racial trauma ?
Racial trauma is the physical and emotional reaction a person experiences after dealing with long-term racist behavior. This condition is also known as traumatic stress based on race, because the root cause is discrimination against race.
As time goes by, discrimination against races is no longer done openly. However, people with certain racial characteristics remain vulnerable to trauma as a result of implicit racist behavior that lasts for years.
Implied racism may take the form of workplace discrimination, negative comments and ridicule, stigma, or other offensive attitudes. This behavior creates psychological and emotional exhaustion similar to that of dealing with stress.
All the tiredness that comes from seeing, hearing, and experiencing racism for yourself is a major trigger racial trauma . If left untreated, this condition can lead to severe stress and various psychological disorders.
Signs and impacts racial trauma
Victim racial trauma generally experience symptoms similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Both are caused by different factors, but the reactions they cause are still the same.
They may become more alert, irritable, and avoid people, places, or activities that trigger trauma to them. Many also feel inferior and withdraw from associations for fear of discrimination.
This is one reason why people of certain races and ethnicities experience more post-traumatic stress disorder than white people. The racism they face throughout their lives keeps them locked up in prolonged stress.
Not only that, racial trauma it is also closely related to anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts, and some physical problems. The severity varies from person to person, but the impact is clearly detrimental to various aspects.
Dealing with trauma caused by racism
Racial trauma is a delicate matter. This is because racism is still very strong in several groups of society. The victim may have to face the same treatment during treatment to treat the trauma.
In addition, psychologists or psychiatrists who have never dealt with cases of stress due to race may need extra time to adjust. This is certainly an obstacle, both for therapists and people who have experienced trauma.
However, the therapist may be able to help the victim racial trauma with the same method as handling PTSD. Treatment aims so that the victim can regain control over his life.
Before starting therapy, the therapist will carry out a complete assessment to determine the appropriate treatment. If the trauma is mild or lasts less than four weeks, the therapist will monitor your condition for one month first.
If the symptoms do not improve or get worse, then the therapist will give therapy and / or drugs. The types of therapy used include:
- Cognitive therapy, will help you identify stressful thoughts. For example, a negative thought that the people around you have evil intentions.
- Exposure therapy, aim is that you can deal with the traumatic situations and memories in a safe manner.
- Desensitization therapy and eye motion reprocessing, to help you deal with traumatic memories and change your reactions.
During therapy, a psychologist or psychiatrist will help you practice managing stress so that you can better cope with everyday stress. You may be in therapy alone, as a group, or both at the same time.
Psychiatrists can also prescribe medication if therapy doesn't work. However, drug consumption must be closely monitored to avoid addiction. Medicines used to treat racial trauma including antidepressants and medications for anxiety disorders.
Discrimination at work, isolation from the home environment, until bullying related racial differences are some of the common causes racial trauma . This condition makes victims of racism vulnerable to various psychological disorders.
If you experience symptoms of trauma due to racist behavior, you are not alone and it is not too late to seek professional help. Try to consult your condition on a therapist to get the right treatment.
