WHY CARE & RESOURCES

Health Concerns

Those who experience racial anxiety often do not report them. However, studies have shown that race-related stress and anxiety can lead to bigger problems, such as:

  • Muscle tension

  • Heart disease

  • Sleep disturbance

  • Dietary/digestive disturbance

  • Hypertension

This Affects Everyone

This issue does not only affect Black people; chances are you have also experienced race-related stress in your daily encounters. The solution is NOT avoidance. Avoidance leads to:

  • Racial bias

  • unpleasant/strained interracial interactions

  • Social exclusion

  • Tension and awkwardness

Coping with race-related stress and anxiety

Posted by Brown University’s Counseling and Psychological Services site. Here are some ways in which someone can cope with race-related stress and anxiety:

  • Find and build a support network because you are not the only one dealing with race-related stress.

  • Identify Negative feelings.

  • Avoid working in isolation.

  • Become involved in social actions.

  • Use spirituality (If part of your daily life) to help you cope and navigate through the stress.

  • Have a sense of identity and learn about your history - Being grounded in your roots allows for personal growth.

  • Try not to feel discouraged.