Racism is not just a societal issue; it is a deeply personal one, affecting the mental and emotional well-being of young people in profound ways. Many young individuals from marginalised communities face racism daily, and the toll it takes on their mental health is often overlooked. These experiences can lead to feelings of isolation, resentment, and internalised inferiority, which can manifest in the school environment.
For many young people, being subjected to racist comments, derogatory slurs, and exclusion from peers is not just a momentary experience—it becomes a long-term emotional burden. They may feel pressured to act as though the racism they face doesn’t affect them, putting on a brave front while silently absorbing the pain. The combination of external prejudice and internal turmoil often results in the young person feeling disconnected from their school community, leading to a sense of not belonging, distrust, and emotional withdrawal.
The Emotional Impact of Racism on Young People
Racism leaves deep emotional scars. Many young people report feeling isolated in school because they are often singled out due to their race or ethnicity. This isolation can lead to long-term psychological effects, such as anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth. When they are called names or subjected to racist attitudes, young people may begin to resent their peers, feeling both targeted and misunderstood. This resentment can fester, leading to withdrawal, anger, or difficulty forming trusting relationships.
Additionally, many young people internalize the racism they experience. They may come to believe that they are somehow "less than" their peers, which can have a lasting impact on their self-esteem and sense of identity. These feelings often go unexpressed, as the young person tries to appear unaffected. The trauma, however, lingers beneath the surface.
Trauma-Informed Approach: Using EF36 Cards and Empathy
A trauma-informed approach can be a powerful way to support young people dealing with the mental health impacts of racism. Trauma-informed workers understand that experiences of racism are traumatic, and they approach young people with empathy, patience, and cultural sensitivity. One effective tool in this approach is the EF36 cards, which encourage young people to express their feelings and experiences in a safe, guided way.
How EF36 Cards Aid in Healing
The EF36 cards provide a framework for helping young people explore their emotions and thoughts without feeling pressured to confront them all at once. Paired with historical knowledge and empathetic engagement, this tool helps the young person begin to understand that their experiences are not isolated but are part of a larger societal issue that has affected generations.
Through a series of carefully planned sessions, a trauma-informed worker can guide the young person toward healing, self-awareness, and empowerment.
Six-Session Plan: Key Themes for Exploration
A trauma-informed worker, using tools like EF36 cards and historical insight, can design a six-session plan that allows a young person to explore their feelings, challenge negative beliefs, and build resilience. Below are some key themes that could be addressed in the sessions:
1. Exploring the Impact of Racism
In the first session, the young person is invited to share their experiences with racism. Using EF36 cards, they can describe how specific incidents made them feel and how those experiences have impacted their sense of belonging. This is a space to validate their feelings and emphasize that their reactions to racism are normal.
2. Understanding Isolation and Resentment
This session focuses on the emotional consequences of being subjected to racism, particularly feelings of isolation and resentment. The trauma-informed worker can help the young person recognize that these feelings are understandable responses to unfair treatment and help them articulate how these emotions have affected their school experience.
3. Challenging Internalised Beliefs
Young people who experience racism often internalise negative messages about themselves. This session helps the young person confront and challenge these internalised beliefs. Through the cards and open discussion, they can begin to deconstruct harmful thoughts and begin to reframe them and later replace them with affirming beliefs about their identity and worth.
4. Exploring Historical and Cultural Context
A key part of healing from racial trauma is understanding that racism is a systemic issue rooted in history. In this session, the worker can explore the historical context of racism, empowering the young person to understand that they are not alone in their experiences.
5. Building Emotional Resilience
This session focuses on developing strategies to cope with the emotional toll of racism. The worker can introduce grounding techniques, mindfulness, and self-care practices that help the young person develop resource-oriented responses to navigate difficult emotions when they arise.
6. Reclaiming Identity and Empowerment
In the final session, the young person is encouraged to reclaim their sense of identity, focusing on their strengths, talents, and cultural heritage. This is a space for them to explore what makes them unique and to recognise the value they bring to their community and beyond.
Conclusion
The mental health impacts of racism on young people are profound, but with the right support, they can begin to heal, grow, and reclaim their sense of identity. A trauma-informed worker, using tools like the EF36 cards and empathetic, historically informed approaches, can guide young people through this challenging journey. By addressing the emotional toll of racism and providing a space for young people to explore their feelings and experiences, we can help them build resilience and thrive in a world that often tries to diminish their value.
Let us work together to ensure that no young person has to carry the weight of racism alone. Empowerment through empathy and understanding is the key to breaking the cycle of trauma.