The Link Between Racism, Anxiety, and Depression
- Nada Johnson
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 7
When Racism Becomes a Daily Weight
Racism isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it’s the subtle remarks, the questioning looks, or the constant feeling that you don’t quite belong. Other times, it’s systemic barriers—fewer opportunities, harsher treatment, or being overlooked despite your qualifications.
Whether subtle or overt, racism takes a toll. For many, it shows up in the body and mind as stress, anxiety, and depression. What begins as external discrimination slowly becomes an internal battle.
How Racism Impacts Mental Health
Racism is more than “hurt feelings.” It’s a form of trauma. Research shows that repeated experiences of discrimination are linked to higher rates of:
💔 Anxiety – Hypervigilance, constant worry, and difficulty relaxing because the world doesn’t feel safe
💔 Depression – Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a sense of invisibility or unworthiness
💔 Physical health struggles – Increased blood pressure, heart disease, and other stress-related conditions
In fact, studies confirm that racial discrimination is a chronic stressor that significantly increases the likelihood of both depression and anxiety disorders (Williams & Mohammed, 2009; Paradies et al., 2015).
The Emotional Weight Carried Daily
For many racialized people, the emotional burden is constant:
➡️ At work – Being overlooked for promotions or having to “prove yourself” more than others
➡️ In education – Facing harsher discipline or lowered expectations from teachers
➡️ In healthcare – Feeling unheard, dismissed, or not taken seriously by professionals
➡️ In everyday life – Experiencing microaggressions, stares, or avoidance in public spaces
Over time, these experiences reinforce a painful message: you’re not enough. This message can become internalized, fueling self-doubt and deepening symptoms of depression and anxiety (Clark et al., 1999; Carter, 2007).
Racism as Racial Trauma
Racism isn’t just unfair treatment—it is racial trauma. Like other forms of trauma, it disrupts your sense of safety and belonging.
Studies highlight that racial trauma often leads to symptoms mirroring post-traumatic stress: flashbacks, avoidance, difficulty concentrating, and chronic fear (Carter, 2007). These aren’t isolated reactions—they are the body and mind’s natural response to ongoing harm.
Healing Is Possible
The good news is: healing from racial trauma is possible.
Through therapy, you can:
🌿 Identify how racism has shaped your mental health and self-worth
🌿 Learn tools to manage anxiety, depression, and racial stress
🌿 Rebuild your confidence and reclaim your sense of identity
🌿 Find community and belonging in spaces that see your full humanity
🌿 Learn coping strategies that affirm your strength instead of numbing your pain
NJCCS Is Here for You
At NJCCS, I offer online Racial Trauma Therapy across Canada (with in-person sessions available in Toronto). Together, we’ll create space for you to process your experiences of racism without judgment, and begin to untangle the impact it has had on your mental health.
You don’t have to carry the weight of anxiety, depression, or invisibility alone.
Healing is possible—and you are worthy of it.🤝
With warmth,
Nada Johnson, MSW, RSW
Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist / trained Family Mediator / EMDR Trained Therapist / Certified Racial Trauma Clinician / Mental Health & Sexual Violence Consultant / Professional Speaker
🌍 Website: www.nadajohnsonservices.com
📩 Contact: info@nadajohnsonservices.com
Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services – Online phone and video sessions available
Village Healing Centre: 240 Roncesvalles Avenue
Follow our platforms for empowering content, mental health support, and resources on healing from racial trauma. Please share this post to support others navigating the hidden wounds of colourism—they deserve care and healing too. 🤝
References
Carter, R. T. (2007). Racism and psychological and emotional injury: Recognizing and assessing race-based traumatic stress. The Counseling Psychologist, 35(1), 13–105. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000006292033
Clark, R., Anderson, N. B., Clark, V. R., & Williams, D. R. (1999). Racism as a stressor for African Americans: A biopsychosocial model. American Psychologist, 54(10), 805–816. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.54.10.805
Paradies, Y., Ben, J., Denson, N., Elias, A., Priest, N., Pieterse, A., … Gee, G. (2015). Racism as a determinant of health: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 10(9), e0138511. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0138511
Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2009). Discrimination and racial disparities in health: Evidence and needed research. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 20–47. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-008-9185-0
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