What Is Systemic Racism? How Does It Affect Mental Well-Being? And How Can We Cope With It?

Photo by Mike Von on Unsplash

Photo by Mike Von on Unsplash

After George Floyd’s death, the American Psychiatric Association released a statement condemning systemically racist institutions. APA Medical Director Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A. stated: “Centuries of systemic and institutional racism toward Black Americans has led to decreased access to health care and multiple adverse health outcomes—as recently seen during the COVID-19 pandemic—in addition to anxiety and lower life-expectancy. We need to fight racial inequalities and discrimination that are life-threating to so many Black Americans.” 

Systemic racism is racism that exists in the bones of an institution; it’s policies, its power structure. That’s why it is sometimes called “institutional racism.” Systemic or institutional racism is tricky because it is unseen and that makes it easy to overlook.

While any racism is bad, at least when an individual is overtly racist and hateful, there’s a clear bad guy to blame. When institutions are racist, the problem can remain hidden. It’s the hidden quality that makes systemic racism so hard to identify and address, and also what makes it take a particular toll on those affected.

Systemic racism is going to work and getting treated unfairly, and then being told that you deserve the treatment and it is just. Or being scared your doctor won’t listen to life threatening symptoms, or your hospital nurse won’t give you the same medications she would give a white patient. These examples are real, validated by research studies on healthcare disparities.

What’s the effect of systemic racial injustice on the well-being of those affected? Physical and mental health symptoms like immune dysfunction, fatigue, depression, anxiety, hopelessness and helplessness can occur. Self-blame and even shame can result.

How do you combat systemic racism? Call it out. Name it. Lay blame where it belongs. Shine the light of awareness on the problem wherever it exists. Talk to others who experience inequity. Advocate for diversity. Recruit allies within the leadership or the institutions that need to change their policies. Join organizations that fight injustice and use your voice to support efforts to create change.

While the work of advocacy can be empowering, and can relieve any sense of self-blame or shame, there is still a need to manage the effects of stress for health and improved well-being. Here are some general tips to reduce the negative effects of stress and maintain health:

·      Get plenty of sleep

·      Reduce screen time

·      Write in a journal

·      Create a piece of artwork, or a craft

·      Attend a church service, pray, or meditate

·      See a counselor or attend a support group

·      Exercise regularly

·      Eat healthy foods

·      Avoid tobacco and alcohol

·      See your doctor for regular check-ups and health screenings

 

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Melissa Deuter.