PTSD in the Black Community
Medically reviewed by Nicole Washington, DO, MPH — Written by Zuri White-Gibson on October 14, 2021
June 2025- Mental Health Awareness Month
Trauma does not always come in the form of war or an isolated assault — sometimes it looks like discrimination on a daily basis.
A previous understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was that it primarily occurred with post-war veterans. Previously called “battle fatigue,” we know now that anyone can experience PTSD due to a traumatic situation, regardless of environment.
When the word “trauma” enters a conversation, many people immediately think of abuse, neglect, or assault.
But consider what it would be like if several parts of your day were traumatic, leading you to face aspects of PTSD daily.
That is the effect of racism for Black people living in the United States.
Instead of being stirred by fireworks, imagine becoming tense as a police car slowly drives by. Or maybe you are not receiving the help you need in class because you’ve been deemed trouble from the beginning. Or you are locking eyes with the mall attendant who’s watching you but not any of the people who don’t look like you.
These types of situations occur regularly for Black people and People of Color. Over time, it can take a toll on mental health.
