To first understand if you have been affected by microaggressions, we have to realize what microaggressions are exactly. The Merriam-Webster definition is as follows; “a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group (such as a racial minority).” To put it simply, microaggressions are those subtle comments that people make towards you that sometimes undermine your abilities, abide by stereotypes, or are just unnecessary offensive observations. A microaggression I once faced was during a work-study. I was in a team, and the goal was to research an issue that people face within our community and make an outreach plan for those who deal with that issue to have an open space on the best way to navigate their problems. My idea for this assignment was to explain the case of Black women’s maternal mortality rate by creating a space where Black mothers can come together and gather information on how to best advocate for themselves and their children throughout their birthing experience. The people in my group, none of whom were Black, completely dismissed my idea and claimed that it was too specific and divisive of an issue to help the community effectively. I remember feeling so dejected and upset at this moment that the topic I was passionate about was overlooked simply because they didn’t deem it as “good enough.” Although it may not seem like you have ever faced microaggression, they come in all shapes and sizes. They are oftentimes hidden within genuine curiosity, which is, almost all the time, unnecessary.
Now that we understand what microaggressions are, how does this have anything to do with mental health? Research has shown that microaggressions can have harmful effects on the mental health of Black women. A study conducted by Dr. Kevin Nadal and colleagues found that experiencing microaggressions can lead to “stress, anxiety, and depression, which can harm one’s overall well-being.” The study also found that Black women who experienced more frequent microaggressions reported a higher level of psychological distress.
In addition, a study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that microaggressions can lead to negative self-perceptions, feelings of isolation, and a sense of not belonging. These effects can be particularly damaging for Black women, who already face multiple forms of discrimination and marginalization. Microaggressions within the mental healthcare system can have a significant impact on the mental health of Black women. These microaggressions can take many forms, such as stereotyping, invalidation of experiences, and a lack of cultural competency. One study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that Black women who sought mental health services reported experiencing microaggressions from mental health professionals. These microaggressions included assumptions about their behavior and personality based on stereotypes and a lack of understanding of their cultural experiences. The study found that these microaggressions led to a sense of mistrust and disengagement from mental health services. Another study published in the Journal of Black Psychology found that Black women who experienced microaggressions from mental health professionals reported higher levels of “depression and lower levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction.” The impact of microaggressions within the mental healthcare system can also be seen in the disparities in access to mental health services. Black women are less likely to receive mental health services than white women. When they receive services, they are more likely to receive lower-quality care.
As I’ve given you all this information as to how microaggressions affect mental health and how some of us have actually faced microaggressions within the mental healthcare system, I haven’t given a solution or, better yet, coping strategies. First, let’s start on an individual level; now that we better understand microaggressions, it should be easier to point out that advocating for yourself in spaces where microaggressions have the potential to take place is essential, especially when advocating for your health. Having a safe space, maybe with friends or family, to discuss microaggressions is also important, just to vent about the things you face. Another strategy could be utilizing mindfulness and grounding techniques during these encounters so you’re not as affected by them. Now let’s talk on a community level, learning more about microaggressions and how they can affect every aspect of health and then taking that information and sharing it to create an open space for growth. Advocating for education initiatives for others to learn about the impact of microaggressions.
With that being said, I’ll leave you with the idea that microaggressions may be slight, possibly unintentional. Still, the impact they have is vast when it comes to our health.
Here are some sources that explain further the impact microaggressions have:
How New Anxiety Screening Guidelines Can Reduce Inequities in Mental Health Care for Black Women – Bill of Health. https://blog.petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2023/01/09/mental-health-screening-racial-disparities/
FROM TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH: NAVIGATING COVID-19’s MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT ON YOUNG BLACK PEOPLE – No Extra Source. https://noextrasource.com/2023/04/26/from-trauma-to-triumph-navigating-covid-19s-mental-health-impact-on-young-black-people/
Gómez, J. M. (2015). Microaggressions and the Enduring Mental Health Disparity: Black Americans at Risk for Institutional Betrayal. Journal of Black Psychology, 41(2), 121-143. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095798413514608
Reid, Esthanette, “How Racial Microaggressions Impact the Mental Health of Black Women of Different
Occupational Prestige” (2017). Honors College Theses. 27.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/honors_theses/27
Erving CL, Williams TR, Frierson W, Derisse M. Gendered Racial Microaggressions, Psychosocial Resources, and Depressive Symptoms among Black Women Attending a Historically Black University. Soc Ment Health. 2022 Nov;12(3):230-247. Doi: 10.1177/21568693221115766. Epub 2022 Aug 11. PMID: 36277677; PMCID: PMC9581464.
Reed, J. (n.d.). Understanding Racial Microaggression and Its Effect on Mental Health. Pfizer. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://www.pfizer.com/news/articles/understanding_racial_microaggression_and_its_effect_on_mental_health
Watkins, S. -. (n.d.). Effects of gendered racial microaggressions on the mental health of black women. SciELO. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://www.scielo.br/j/csc/a/rZVyRBJ5p7ytGxYj3GyxPXN/?lang=en&format=pdf
Pappas, S. (2021, November 1). Effective therapy with Black women. American Psychological Association. Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/11/ce-therapy-black-women