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Being treated differently because of our race, skin colour or ethnicity can have a negative impact on our mental health. Racism can happen everywhere: at home, in school, in our community and even online. It can also happen within families and relationships.
Racism can take the form of verbal abuse, e.g. someone making comments about how a person looks or can also take the form of physical violence and bullying.
Racism can also take other forms which are less obvious. These can be harder to identify. This could involve people holding inappropriate beliefs or stereotypes, or denying a person’s experience of racism. Systemic racism is racism within the structures and systems we live in. This is often reinforced by books, films and textbooks which are often focused on the experiences and stories of white people, and do not tell stories or show the history and lives of those affected by racism.
Racism can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, anger and shame. It is important that if racism is taking place we acknowledge and challenge this. This may be by speaking to someone in school, a trusted adult or by calling Childline. You can also call Victim Support Scotland or the Police. It is also important that people continue to learn about inequality and how it affects others.
