Understanding the Impact of Racism and Classism on Mental Health 

By: Lucy Shibere 

The handout Understanding the Impact of Racism and Classism on Mental Health focuses on the effects of racism and classism on the mental health of African Americans. Research, including Cavalhieri and Wilcox's(2021) study in the Journal of Psychology, highlights how systemic oppression leads to increased stress, anxiety, and depression because of financial insecurity, discrimination, and limited mental health access. Because of these challenges, I developed a handout that counselors can give to clients or people can use without going to therapy to help them process and cope with the emotional toll racism and classism have on people. The handout will educate on racial trauma, imposter syndrome, and economic stress while offering practical coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, self-care, and the importance of community. I also included reflection prompts to help encourage self-awareness and healing. This can also be a resource to bridge the cultural gaps that are in therapy. It can foster discussions about systemic barriers and the impacts that might have on a client's mental health. It provides a toll for clients to verbalize their emotions. It is also a handout for those who aren't in therapy as it allows reflection on their own time. Integrating this into practice can help validate clients' experiences and empower them with ways to build resilience and help with culturally responsive care. 

Works Cited

Cavalhieri, Klaus E., and Melanie M. Wilcox. “The Compounded Effects of Classism and Racism on Mental Health Outcomes for African Americans.” Journal of Counseling Psychology, vol. 69, no. 1, 1 July 2021, https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000561.

Download link: Understanding the Impact of Racism and Classism on mental health