Introduction Racism is not only a social and political issue — it’s a public health crisis. For minority communities, the effects of racism reach deep into emotional and psychological well-being. From everyday discrimination to systemic inequality, racism creates long-term stress, trauma, and barriers to proper mental health care. 1. Chronic Stress and Racial Trauma Living with racism means living with constant vigilance. Repeated experiences of prejudice, microaggressions, and exclusion create chronic psychological stress . This state of tension, often called racial battle fatigue , leads to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even indirect exposure — like watching racial violence in the media — can cause vicarious trauma , especially among youth and people of color. 2. Internalized Racism and Self-Perception When negative stereotypes are constantly reinforced, some individuals begin to internalize these harmful messages. This internalized racism ...