Categories: culturally responsive, Educators, equity, Families, Pediatricians
Racial Battle Fatigue or Race-Based Traumatic Stress (RBTS) refers to the emotional and physical toll of enduring racism, both personally and intergenerationally. Although not officially classified as a mental disorder, RBTS can lead to serious symptoms like anxiety, depression, and physical pain, especially among BIPOC individuals. Healing requires culturally competent, trauma-informed support that validates these lived experiences.
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Racial trauma, often referred to as Race-Based Traumatic Stress (RBTS), is more than just isolated incidents—it’s the accumulation of harm passed down through generations and stored in both the mind and body. It stems from racism, discrimination, and hate crimes, and disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) due to the presence of systemic white supremacy in the United States.
The symptoms of RBTS can be wide-ranging and deeply impactful. They may include depression, anger, anxiety, hypervigilance, and physical issues such as headaches or chest pain. Individuals may also experience recurring thoughts or nightmares, insomnia, low self-esteem, or emotional numbness and detachment. While RBTS is not officially classified as a mental disorder like PTSD, it remains a serious psychological injury that deserves attention and care.
Support is available through culturally competent therapists and community mental health organizations that specialize in trauma-informed care for BIPOC individuals. For more information and resources, visit mhanational.org/resources/racial-trauma.
No Wrong Door Marketplace materials and resources are curated by the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention. To discuss resources or suggest updates to No Wrong Door Marketplace, please contact 513-529-2450. Visit www.OhioSBCOE.org.
Racial trauma, often referred to as Race-Based Traumatic Stress (RBTS), is more than just isolated incidents—it’s the accumulation of harm passed down through generations and stored in both the mind and body. It stems from racism, discrimination, and hate crimes, and disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) due to the presence of systemic white supremacy in the United States.
The symptoms of RBTS can be wide-ranging and deeply impactful. They may include depression, anger, anxiety, hypervigilance, and physical issues such as headaches or chest pain. Individuals may also experience recurring thoughts or nightmares, insomnia, low self-esteem, or emotional numbness and detachment. While RBTS is not officially classified as a mental disorder like PTSD, it remains a serious psychological injury that deserves attention and care.
Support is available through culturally competent therapists and community mental health organizations that specialize in trauma-informed care for BIPOC individuals. For more information and resources, visit mhanational.org/resources/racial-trauma.
No Wrong Door Marketplace materials and resources are curated by the Ohio School-Based Center of Excellence for Prevention & Early Intervention. To discuss resources or suggest updates to No Wrong Door Marketplace, please contact 513-529-2450. Visit www.OhioSBCOE.org.
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