Let’s talk about… Racism and Mental Health:
A Guide for Action
Racism affects both mental health and wellbeing. Research shows it harms not just those who experience discrimination, but also their friends, family, and society as a whole. It’s important to recognise that racism impacts everyone, and we all have a role in fighting it.
Racism is the belief that certain groups of people are better than others based on differences such as cultural background, skin colour, or religion. Those who are seen as different may face unfair treatment.
Key Points:
In 2016, 20% of people in Australia reported experiencing discrimination based on skin colour, ethnic origin, or religion. People from non-English speaking backgrounds are more likely to face these challenges.
While most people reject overtly racist attitudes, unconscious biases and prejudices still exist and influence behaviour.
Racism has become less overt but is still widespread, with everyday racism present in casual language and behaviours.
Racism exists at all levels of society. We all need to be mindful of negative stereotypes and consciously reject them in our actions.
We can all contribute to reducing racism by educating ourselves, standing up against discrimination, and supporting others.
What You Can Do:
Reflect on your own values and biases.
Share your own experiences of prejudice to help others understand.
Learn about different cultures and how they connect with your own.
Build friendships with people from different backgrounds.
Educate yourself on the psychological effects of oppression.
Understand how privilege may play a role in your life and how you can use it to support others.
Challenge comments or jokes that belittle anyone’s cultural or racial background.
Stand up for those who have been discriminated against.
Join groups or support campaigns that promote equality and tackle racism.
Advocate for policy changes in your community to fight institutional racism.
What Families and Educators Can Do:
Children learn best when they are exposed to diversity from a young age. Here are some ways to help them develop positive attitudes:
Teach children the importance of fairness and equality.
Introduce children to people from different backgrounds before they develop biases.
Provide role models who are active in the fight against racism.
Use books, films, and stories to explore themes of equality and social justice.
Celebrate heroes who have worked to end injustice and racism.
Talk with your child’s school to ensure it fosters an inclusive, diverse environment.
What Children Can Do:
Children can take small steps to make a big difference:
Make friends with others from different cultures.
Think critically about fairness and justice in everyday situations.
Speak up when they see others being treated unfairly.
Look for examples of positive diversity and challenge stereotypes when they see them.
Seeking Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, it’s important to seek help. With the right treatment and support, individuals can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. Reach out to mental health professionals, your GP, or our organisation for more information and support. We are here to support the Tamil community in discussing mental health openly and finding the tools to help and support each other.
Remember you are not alone.
Share this resource with your friends and family and help raise awareness about mental health in the Tamil community. Together, we can create a community where everyone feels comfortable talking about mental health.