Living through a traumatic experience can linger in the body for years to come. It doesn’t matter what color you are or what your background is; the body tends to hold onto the effects of trauma if it isn’t fully processed and worked through.

The fact that we’re still fighting for equality in the 21st century can stir up a variety of emotions for many people. You might be angry, frustrated, sad, or even scared. If you’re in any minority group, those emotions are likely exacerbated.

Mental health issues don’t discriminate. They impact people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. But that can often be where the similarities stop. 

Many people are being affected by increased racial trauma around the world. Saima Shaik, LPC has taken the time to speak on the mental health effects of increased Islamophobia and offers ways to cope.