Wave Staff Report
LOS ANGELES — For many people in the Black community, racial trauma — also known as race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) — is a very real mental health condition that can have serious consequences when left unaddressed. RBTS refers to the psychological and emotional harm that can result from experiencing racism, discrimination, harassment or other race-related stressors.
With July being National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Kaiser Permanente is raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges facing historically underserved communities, including Black individuals, and encouraging people to seek support when they need it.
To understand the impact of race-based traumatic stress, it’s important to recognize the historical and ongoing effects of racism. Generations of slavery, segregation, discrimination and systemic inequities have shaped the lived experiences of many Black Americans, creating trauma that can be passed from one generation to the next.
“For many Black individuals, exposure to racism and discrimination can create a constant state of stress and vigilance,” said Leslie Fuentes-Nguyen, department administrator of behavioral health at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. “Whether it’s overt acts of racism, subtle microaggressions, or the anticipation of discrimination, these experiences can place a significant burden on mental health.”
Over time, chronic exposure to race-related stress can contribute to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other behavioral health conditions. The emotional weight of navigating environments where racism may be present can affect not only individual well-being, but entire families and communities.
The effects of racial trauma are not limited to mental health. Research has shown that chronic exposure to racial discrimination is associated with a higher risk of physical health conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses. The cumulative effects of ongoing stress can place strain on both the mind and body, contributing to health disparities and a lower overall quality of life.
These disparities are reflected in health outcomes across the country. According to the American Heart Association, Black women are 3.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than non-Hispanic White women. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics also shows that life expectancy for Black Americans remains several years lower than that of White Americans and the overall U.S. population average.
“Addressing race-based traumatic stress is not just a mental health issue – it’s a public health responsibility,” Fuentes-Nguyen said. “Healing begins when we acknowledge that racial trauma exists and create safe, supportive spaces where people can share their experiences without fear of judgment. Expanding access to culturally responsive mental health care and addressing systemic inequities are critical steps toward helping individuals and communities heal and thrive.”
For many people, experiences with racism and microaggressions are an unfortunate reality of everyday life. While occasional feelings of anger, frustration or sadness may be expected, persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning should not be ignored.
“If feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness or hypervigilance become overwhelming or begin affecting your work, relationships or overall quality of life, you may be experiencing a race-based traumatic stress injury,” Fuentes-Nguyen said. “Recognizing those signs is an important first step toward healing.”
Seeking support is one of the most important things someone can do when facing mental health challenges related to racial trauma. Left untreated, symptoms can worsen over time and affect both mental and physical health.
Historically, stigma and a lack of trust in mental health services have prevented some individuals in the Black community from seeking care. In recent years, however, efforts have increased to improve access to culturally responsive care, diversify the behavioral health workforce, and create more inclusive environments where people feel seen, heard and understood.
“Taking care of your mental health should be viewed the same way you care for your physical health,” Fuentes-Nguyen said. “When you’re intentionally nurturing your mental, physical, social, and spiritual well-being, you’re building a stronger foundation for resilience. Ignoring any one of those areas can create challenges that affect every part of your life.”
Fuentes-Nguyen encourages members of the Black community to seek professional support when symptoms of race-based traumatic stress begin affecting their ability to function in everyday life. Warning signs may include difficulty concentrating, declining work or school performance, persistent anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances or withdrawing from relationships and activities.
Mental health experts emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Individuals should prioritize their well-being and not allow stigma or misconceptions about mental health care to prevent them from accessing support.
“You don’t have to carry the weight of racial trauma alone,” Fuentes-Nguyen said. “If advocating for yourself feels difficult right now, lean on a trusted friend, family member or community resource to help you take that first step. Asking for help is one of the most courageous investments you can make in yourself, and it can be the beginning of a healthier, more hopeful future.”
