Racism and it’s Impact on Mental Health
3 Tips to Dismantle Barriers to Black Women's Well-being
Contrary to popular belief, race is not a risk factor for disease, but it is a risk factor for racism (LaFave et al., 2022). By this, I mean we must understand the influence it has on our healthcare system and how this can contribute to adverse impacts on Black women's mental health. I'm saying this not only as a Black woman but as one who has experienced unique challenges in pursuing equitable healthcare.
From my health concerns being dismissed to being downright disrespected by my physician (whom I did not hesitate to fire), my healthcare experiences not only adversely impacted my physical health. It has done a number on my mental health, too.
In a world where slogans like Black Health Matters have become increasingly popular, it's time to start seeing some action behind them. That action shouldn't depend on how "strong" or "resilient" Black women are. There are unseen battles that Black women experience that affect their mental health daily in profound ways.
Unseen Battle 1. The Silent Storm of Microaggressions
Microaggressions are like relentless raindrops, each seemingly insignificant, but together, they form a storm. Black women often face these subtle, unintentional expressions of racism, leaving them feeling invalidated and unseen. As healthcare providers, it's crucial to recognize and address these microaggressions to create a safe space for open dialogue.
Unseen Battle 2. Being Treated as an Imposter
Imagine living in a world where every success is questioned, every achievement attributed to tokenism. Black women often find themselves under the weight of being treated as imposters by those who cling to negative stereotypes about Black people. This constant pressure can lead to anxiety, impacting their mental health. Understanding and dismantling these stereotypes is vital in providing truly equitable healthcare.
Unseen Battle 3. The Ghosts of the Past
The ghosts of history haunt the present. The healthcare system, unfortunately, has not always been an ally to Black communities. Historical trauma, stemming from centuries of mistreatment, contributes to a mistrust that echoes through generations. Acknowledging this historical context is fundamental in rebuilding trust and ensuring that Black women receive the care they deserve.
Despite the many challenges ahead, there is an antidote – empathy. In our pursuit of equitable healthcare, empathy is the golden ticket. It's about understanding, validating, and actively dismantling the barriers that impede the well-being of Black women.
1. Cultivating Cultural Competence
Even though cultural competence might feel like a buzzword, it's necessary. It's essential that, as healthcare providers, we educate ourselves about the diverse cultures within the Black community. For instance, some communities strongly emphasize herbal medicine over the medical system. Understanding the nuances of cultural backgrounds allows for more meaningful connections, enabling you to foster trust and rapport with your clients.
2. Intersectional Care
Black women are not a monolith, so healthcare providers mustn't define them by their race alone. Instead, Black women have multifaceted identities – race, gender, and socioeconomic status. For example, providing intersectional care means not making assumptions but asking questions that give you insights into what would best support your client's overall health. By recognizing and addressing the intersection of these identities, you'll be better able to provide holistic, personalized healthcare.
3. Advocacy
As healthcare providers, our role extends beyond the walls of our practice. Advocating for policies that address healthcare disparities and promote inclusivity is essential. To illustrate, at the local level, learning the health policy agendas of your local legislators is a practical way that you can get involved with healthcare advocacy. Further, engaging with local legislatures can help amplify the voices of those who have long been marginalized.
It's time to be proactive advocates for change. Black health matters and it's our collective responsibility to ensure equitable healthcare for all. If you're ready to delve deeper into these critical conversations, consider booking me for future engagements. Let's journey towards a healthcare system that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Reference
LaFave, S. E., Suen, J. J., Seau, Q., Bergman, A., Fisher, M. C., Thorpe, R. J., Jr, & Szanton, S. L. (2022). Racism and Older Black Americans' Health: a Systematic Review. Journal of urban health: bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, 99(1), 28–54. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11524-021-00591-6