The high-profile trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murder for the death of George Floyd, can be traumatic to watch on many levels. There is the direct trauma of seeing and hearing the details of the murder, but there is also the historical, racial trauma experienced by minority communities, especially Black Americans.

To understand why racial issues in the modern-day can be a source of trauma, it’s important to understand the historical context as well. The Black community has experienced slavery, medical experimentation, and much more. While some of those more overt forms of discrimination no longer take place, systemic racism still has a major impact- income inequality, voter suppression, disproportionate rates of incarceration, among other challenges. Discrimination and race-based bias also persist at an individual level. And while this has all challenged the Black community, race-based discrimination has also historically affected Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, and other communities as well.

Racial Trauma is Inescapable

Race-based trauma is inescapable for many reasons. Not only is it something that many people live every day because of systemic racism, but it’s something that’s forced into our consciousness through media coverage of events like the Chauvin trial.

It is important that these stories are being told, but it can be a recurring source of trauma, because the majority of Black Americans say they have experienced at least one instance of racial discrimination in their lifetime. These major news events can trigger that trauma.

The most recent Census reported 31% of the population in Jacksonville identifies as Black or African American, 10% identifies as Hispanic or Latino, and nearly 5% identifies as Asian. It means there is a high likelihood someone among your group of friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors may be struggling with the effects of this trauma.

Racial Trauma, Discrimination, and Mental Health

Racial discrimination has been linked to physical and mental health concerns.

Negative mental health outcomes include depression, anxiety, hopelessness, low self-esteem, increased substance use, aggressive behavior, and trauma. Racial trauma specifically can mirror PTSD. Symptoms may include chronic stress, negative emotions, physical signs of stress, hypervigilance, and risk avoidance behaviors.

Some people may feel an obligation to closely follow every development in stories like the Chauvin trial. It is natural to want the information, and with it better advocate for minority communities. However, you can’t help others if you don’t help yourself. If watching this coverage is harming your mental health, you may want to consider stepping away from social media and the news, and ask someone you trust to give you any major updates on the stories you’re following instead.

Another problem that may surface is a feeling of helplessness- you see these stories and feel powerless to do anything about them. To regain some of that power and control, you can consider getting involved in advocacy groups. That activism doesn’t only have to mean organizing protests. You can also look at how to empower others, like learning about small Black-owned businesses in your community to visit. There are plenty of lists highlighting Jacksonville-area businesses and restaurants.

Self-Care is Always Important for Mental Health

Self-care is always important for mental health, but especially in cases like this where the trauma may be persistent and recurring. Lean on meditation, spiritual practices, or other activities you find enjoyable and rewarding.

If your mental health continues to suffer, consider seeking out a trained mental health professional. The Jax Therapy Network’s searchable database of local counselors and therapists allows you to search for someone who specializes in cultural or system oppression or historical trauma.

You can speak with friends and family as well, but look to engage loved ones who you know are willing and able to have these conversations. If you try to speak with someone who denies your trauma, it can make things worse for your mental health. There are many toolkits available to help you navigate conversations and support people who want to become allies.

It may also be helpful to make a list of people or situations where you anticipate your trauma may be triggered, so that you can plan for going into those situations and think through coping strategies ahead of time.


Find therapists for trauma or anxiety. Search the Jax Therapy Network and find trauma or anxiety therapy near you.