Race-Based Issues
Navigating Race-Based Stress and Trauma
Despite progress in race relations, many individuals and communities continue to face racism—both in personal interactions and within deeply entrenched systems of oppression and discrimination across key institutions such as education, housing, healthcare, and politics.
The complexity of these racial structures often makes them difficult to fully comprehend and even harder to dismantle. While some experience racism firsthand, others are deeply impacted by repeated, vicarious exposure to the injustices faced by those around them.
Over time, the internalization of these experiences can take a significant toll, affecting not only physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being but also one’s sense of safety, belonging, and self-worth.
If race-related stress or trauma is impacting your quality of life, we encourage you to reach out. We are here to listen, support, and guide you toward healing, empowerment, and a more fulfilling life.
Potential Sources of Race-Based Stress and Trauma
Indirect Experience
You may have experienced racism vicariously and been deeply affected by witnessing or learning about the experiences of others.
Direct Experience
You may have personal or professional experiences with racism, oppression, or discrimination through microaggressions, violence, or unfair treatment.
Social Media
You may have experienced or witnessed online racial bullying, discrimination, or profiling, all of which can trigger forms of race-based stress and trauma.
Social Institutions
You may have experienced racism through various social institutions such as education, healthcare, housing, and politics.
Repeated Exposure
Repeated experiences and exposure to various forms of racism across multiple areas of your life may have had a profound and lasting impact on your well-being.
Commons Signs & Symptoms of Race-Based Stress & Trauma
Anxiety and hypervigilance
Fear or distrust of people and social institutions
Feelings of helplessness, frustration, and anger in response to racial injustices
Social anxiety and avoidance
Internalized feelings of inferiority, self-hate, and low self-esteem related to racial, ethnic, or cultural identity
Difficulty processing past or present experiences with racism
How We Help You
At MadeMind, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care to every individual we serve. Part of our mission is to create a safe, supportive space where ALL clients can process their experiences with racial stressors and trauma while feeling heard, validated, and understood.
We recognize the profound impact racial stress and trauma can have on mental health and overall well-being. That’s why we offer a judgment-free space where you can openly share your experiences. In addition to providing emotional support, we equip our clients with practical tools—such as mindfulness, grounding techniques, and other coping strategies—to help them process and navigate these challenges more effectively.
Everyone deserves a space where their authentic experiences are acknowledged and validated. If you have been struggling with the effects of racism, oppression, or discrimination, know that you are not alone. We are here to listen, support, and help you process your experiences. Please contact our office to learn more about how we can support you.