What do you do to protect your mental health from the effects of racism? — Assembly

In Assembly’s “Around the world” series, girls sound off on the topics that matter to them, from the companies they’re dreaming up to the issues they wished more leaders talked about.

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“What I do to protect my mental health from the effects of racism is to consult someone. I need a person to talk to. Of course, just because you consult does not mean that your emotional wounds will disappear, but I don't think it is good to be alone with your troubles.”

— Erika, 15, Japan

“When I'm being harassed for my color (my case, it's Brown), I speak up, which I feel boosts my morale. I would always tell myself that I am no lesser than anyone. When I'm so disturbed by racism, I show them how they’re wrong. Two years back, I was awful at math and I was mocked for it. I have heard my classmates gossip that girls — especially Brown girls — were bad at math. This disturbed me a lot. I took up the subject and then aced in it in the exams. Once I succeed, it not only improves my self-confidence but also the person who harassed me realizes they were wrong for judging me based on my race.”

— Swetha, 14, India

“Since I’m a woman of colour, I definitely understand the effect racism can have, especially on young people. It’s a sad reality, but it’s important to give outlets and resources to youth to prevent them from feeling the burden of racism as much as possible. For me, that outlet has always been communication. I always love reaching out to people such as my friends, colleagues and those who have the same beliefs to connect over the effects of racism. It gives me an opportunity to get it out of my head and also have meaningful discussions at the same time. For other youth, resources for mental health support such as Kids Help Phone exist, which I have also used before to protect me against scary thoughts from other people as well. The last thing I try to enforce is always keeping my head up no matter what. The truth is there will always be people who are racist, prejudiced, who have a superiority complex, but that shouldn’t stop you from keeping your head held high and walking into a room like you deserve to be there, because you truly do.”

— Riya, 17, Canada

“In order to protect one’s mental health, from the effects of racism, I believe you should:

1. Talk with someone about your experience. Instead of keeping bottled up emotions about your experience with discrimination, confide in your parents, siblings, friends or even a counselor about what has happened. This will help you to free your mind from negative thoughts about the encounter, and just move on.

2. Don't think about the experience for too long and try doing what makes you feel great. It could be your schoolwork, spending time with friends and family, just anything that makes you feel happy.

3. Build up your mind and your self-esteem. Racism isn't something that is new, therefore, it shouldn't take you by surprise when you encounter it. Build up yourself in such a way that you won't be pulled down by it.”

— Amarachi, 16, Nigeria