Racial discrimination profoundly impacts African Americans’ mental health, contributing to depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Research from the Journal of Black Studies shows that using anger to cope with discrimination often worsens these effects, highlighting the need for healthier strategies. This blog explores these findings, offering practical solutions to support mental well-being, with telehealth and EMDR therapy as supplementary tools.
Racial Discrimination’s Heavy Burden
Discrimination, whether acute (e.g., job denial) or chronic (e.g., daily microaggressions), significantly affects African Americans. It’s linked to hypertension, depression, and anxiety, while limiting access to housing, education, and jobs. This stress erodes well-being, leaving individuals feeling hopeless or restless. Recognizing this burden is key to effective coping.
Racial Coping and the Risks of Anger
Anger is a common response to discrimination, but the study reveals its downsides. African Americans using active anger (e.g., losing their temper) to address acute discrimination reported higher psychological distress and lower well-being, especially with frequent incidents. Passive anger (unexpressed) showed no direct mental health impact but failed to reduce stress. These findings question anger’s effectiveness as a coping mechanism.
Who Feels Discrimination Most?
The research identifies demographic patterns in anger as a response to discrimination. Men were more likely to express active anger to acute discrimination, possibly due to stressors like unemployment or incarceration. Larger households (five or more) also used active anger more, likely due to financial or shared stress. Education influenced coping—those with less than a high school diploma leaned on passive anger, while college-educated individuals used other resources.
Building Better Coping Strategies
Instead of anger, African Americans can adopt active coping strategies to tackle discrimination without harming mental health. Community support, spiritual practices, and debriefing with peers are effective methods. Active coping, like seeking professional help, boosts self-esteem and life satisfaction. Telehealth provides convenient therapy access, while EMDR therapy helps reprocess traumatic memories, easing discrimination’s emotional weight.
Why This Matters Now
The study emphasizes educating communities about coping with discrimination. Health practitioners must guide African Americans toward strategies that protect mental health. Moving beyond anger builds resilience and preserves well-being. Telehealth and EMDR therapy are accessible tools to support this journey.
Take Control of Your Mental Health
Discrimination is a harsh reality, but its mental health toll can be managed. Embrace active coping, connect with supportive networks, and explore telehealth or EMDR therapy. Mental well-being deserves priority—start today.
Dr. Sara C is a top-rated therapist specializing in EMDR, CBT, and DBT therapies. Serving clients across Newport Beach, CA; Beverly Hills, CA; San Diego, CA; Portland, OR; Jacksonville, OR; Dallas, TX; and Houston, TX, she is dedicated to providing the best telehealth therapy in California, Texas, and Oregon.
In case of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate professional help.
Source:
Pittman, C. T. (2011). Getting mad but ending up sad: The mental health consequences for African Americans using anger to cope with racism. Journal of Black Studies, 42(7), 1106–1124.