Trauma is a frighteningly common global experience. It could be caused by a high-profile natural disaster. Far more often, the underlying reason is something more personal. For Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), trauma can take on very unique and insidious forms. This is where the concept of BIPOC trauma (a.k.a. racial trauma) becomes a reality. 

From the time they are children, BIPOC face slights, abuses, and attacks that have been normalized over the decades and even centuries. Whether they have been targeted or have bore witness to the traumatic events, Black, Indigenous, and people of color can face debilitating outcomes, e.g., Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

How Does BIPOC Trauma Happen? 

The more obvious factors include physical violence or the threat thereof, micro-aggressions, invalidation, and public shaming. Because such treatment can be chronic and passed down through generations, it can qualify as complex trauma — further complicating the situation. However, another danger is how invisible the sources of trauma can be.

Long-Term Realities That Lead to BIPOC Trauma

Because we live in a world with systemic racism, many of us are blind to the trauma endured by BIPOC. Here are just a few of the daily realities of life as a BIPOC:

• Fear that you’ll be targeted by law enforcement solely based on the color of your skin.

• When moving into a new neighborhood, you cannot be sure if the locals will welcome you or even be friendly.

• In stores, you are watched and followed as you’re only there to steal or cause trouble.

• People expect you to be a “spokesperson” for others who share your race or ethnicity. 

• You wonder how often race plays a role in situations like applying for a job or a school.

This decidedly incomplete list gives you an idea of the many threads woven in the scourge of BIPOC trauma. They add up, escalate, and too often become so common as to become unseen — even by victims.

Obviously, systemic change is long overdue. However, at the same time, survivors of racial trauma need help, support, and treatment.

Addressing BIPOC Trauma

A powerful starting point is acceptance from yourself and others. Racism is a hot-button, misunderstood topic. This can lead to BIPOC feeling confused and conflicted about feeling traumatized. But healing — and ultimately, societal change — cannot happen until more folks speak out without shame. It is the abusers who should be struggling with shame, not you!

Other steps you can take:

• Connect: To avoid feeling alone or ashamed, connecting with people in your community can be a powerful tool. They get it and will validate you. This is a giant step toward healing.

• Support: Racism can temporarily make BIPOC feel powerless. This is far from the truth. Help others who are also struggling. Soothe your heart through kindness. 

• Self-Care: Traumatic racism has the potential to cause self-esteem and major stress. Self-care counters both trends. It improves your overall well-being. It also reminds you that you matter and deserve such positive attention and care.

Treatment For Trauma

Any and all types of trauma require treatment from a trauma-informed professional. In the case of racial trauma, it also requires a therapist who can handle the unique challenges involved. BIPOC need and deserve to be met where they are — with full respect for their lived experiences. 

Racial trauma requires resilience to navigate. In your weekly therapy sessions, you can develop the coping skills to help create resilience. Like all trauma, BIPOC trauma can be processed and resolved. This will not only help you live a life of self-empowerment, but it will also position you to do the work to help reimagine the world we live in. 

Learn more about Trauma Treatment.