Anxiety is the most common mental health condition across the globe. In the U.S., over 40 million Americans deal with some type of anxiety disorder, including people of color.
It’s easy to assume that everyone experiences anxiety the same way, but that isn’t true. Anxiety doesn’t discriminate. People from all races and ethnic backgrounds experience it. For POC, the potential causes, symptoms, and even treatment options can often feel different.
Let’s take a closer look at how anxiety affects people of color, and what you can do if you’re struggling with it.
Common Causes of Anxiety Across Racial Groups
Anxiety causes and triggers are different for everyone. However, there are some common patterns for POC. While studies have shown that white individuals are more likely to have anxiety than POC. Some of the most common causes include:
- Trauma
- Early childhood abuse
- Family history
- Environment
Racial trauma can also contribute to both PTSD and anxiety. People of color have to deal with several risk factors associated with racial trauma, including exposure to racism, socio-economic status issues, fewer opportunities, and higher rates of sexual assault and police violence.
That isn’t to say non-POC individuals don’t deal with some of these issues. However, they are more common for those in racial groups or in marginalized communities.
How Can You Tell If You Have Anxiety?
One of the biggest problems when it comes to POC and anxiety is getting a proper diagnosis. Societal norms have made it more difficult for certain racial groups to get properly diagnosed or receive the treatment they need.
An official diagnosis is the first step toward actually treating anxiety. If you’re experiencing any of these common signs, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a therapist as soon as possible:
- Feeling restless
- Overwhelming feelings of fear or worry
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
It’s also not uncommon to experience physical symptoms of anxiety. Things like digestive issues, a racing heart, and sweating can all be physical manifestations of anxiety. You might experience them when triggered by certain things, or you might deal with them on a regular basis.
If left untreated, the symptoms of anxiety can become worse. That’s especially true when you aren’t establishing what’s triggering you or getting to the root cause of your fear.
How to Effectively Manage Anxiety
Again, the first step to treating anxiety is to identify experiencing it. No matter your background, talking to a mental health professional is the best thing you can do for your anxiety.
Nowadays, you can reach out for help no matter where you’re located. If you’re in an underserved community or you’re worried about things like stereotyping – even from your own family and friends – consider teletherapy.
In addition to connecting with a mental health professional, don’t be afraid to utilize your resources. Find local groups dedicated to mental health and well-being. A quick search online will help you discover them in your area. Or, you might be able to interact with other POC through things like forums and message boards.
Finally, lean on your family members and friends. Having a support group is essential when you’re dealing with anxiety. Sometimes, simply talking about what you’re going through can make a big difference in how you feel.
People of color can experience anxiety for different reasons than people without a diverse ethnic background. If you’re struggling with the symptoms of anxiety, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, or set up an appointment now with one of our trained therapists.