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accessHealthNews.net
May 2024
Volume 10 | Issue No. 84
The exhaustion is real and goes deep.
Shootings of unarmed Black and brown
men and women by police officers forever
change the lives of their families or close
relations. But the ripple effect reaches the
heart of communities. And sometimes, the
emotional, mental and physical toll leaves
individuals grappling with feelings of fear,
anger, rage, grief, pain. There is a sense
of isolation, depression, desperation, and
hopelessness.
This "racial battle fatigue" stems from be-
ing exposed to constant racism, discrimi-
nation, stereotypes, and microaggressions.
Individuals grow tired and are on guard for
the next attack. Dismissive, demeaning,
insensitive, or hostile words and actions
can eventually cause physical reactions
like sleeping disorders, tension headaches,
irritability, and loss of appetite.
Trying to deal with the trauma, whether
extreme or subtle, direct or indirect, be-
comes a painful process. Seeking help
can be a lifeline. "The need for psycho-
logical treatment has escalated," explains
Dr. Ana Nogales, of Nogales Psychological
Counseling, Inc.
Her clinical staff of about 30 bicultural-bilin-
gual mental health professionals treat un-
derserved populations, women, and teen-
agers.
People of color face even more issues that
add fuel to the fire, and fatigue can be-
come all-consuming.
The coronavirus pandemic crippled Black
and brown communities, bringing to light
disparity in medical access and treatment.
A National Institute of Mental Health re-
port revealed that, "Black people face
increased rates of risk factors, including
experiences of racism, higher rates of un-
employment and financial and food inse-
curity, disparities in other aspects of health,
and limited access to care, all of which
result in an increased burden of mental ill-
ness in black communities… As of 2018, sui-
cide became the second leading cause
of death in Black children aged 10-14, and
the third leading cause of death in Black
adolescents aged 15-19."
"You don't have to be suffering. You can have access to
services and to new possibilities of having a better life, a
healthy life, a dignified life."
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- Dr. Ana Nogales, of Nogales Psychological Counseling, Inc.
