pixel
Being Well Podcast: Institutional Racism and Traumatic Stress with Dr. Alfiee
June 8, 2020

Racism and racist structures place an enormous mental health burden on Black, Latinx, and indigenous communities, alongside other people of color. Dr. Alfiee joins Forrest to discuss the unique challenges faced by marginalized youth, disparities in access to mental health services, and the importance of “naming and claiming.”

About our Guest: Dr. Alfiee is a wonderful psychologist, researcher, recovering academic, and expert in the mental health needs of racially diverse adolescents, young adults, and families. She spent 20 years in academic medicine, and is the lead author of the new book Community Mental Health Engagement with Racially Diverse Populations 1st Edition and The Handbook of Mental Health in African American Youth, the host of the podcast “Couched in Color with Dr. Alfiee,” and the founder of the mental health nonprofit the AAKOMA Project.

To join me in donating to the AAKOMA Project, follow this link.

Sponsor Message: Every week Forrest creates detailed show notes for our Patreon supporters. Due to the essential nature of this topic, we’ve made the notes for this episode publicly available. They give a deep dive into the research behind the topics this episode explores, and we hope you’ll check them out.

Key Topics:

  • 2:00: The impact of institutional racism on mental health.
  • 7:00: Forms of exposure to racism.
  • 9:45: Allostatic load, weathering, and secondary traumatic stress.
  • 15:30: Ways to manage traumatic stress.
  • 19:45: Confusing stress and anxiety.
  • 22:30: The importance of accurate labeling.
  • 25:00: AAKOMA and availability of mental health resources.
  • 29:00: Access, and the stigmatization of mental health.
  • 33:30: Removing the stigma.
  • 37:20: A message to your younger self.

Share this episode on:

Support the Podcast

Special Offers from Our Sponsors

SQUARESPACE

Finally get that project off the ground with Squarespace! Head to squarespace.com/beingwell for a free trial, and when you’re ready to launch use coupon code BEINGWELL to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

CALM

Want to sleep better? Try the Calm app! 

Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.

Join Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson every week on the Being Well Podcast for lively and thought-provoking conversation and practical tips for being happier, building inner strengths, and getting the most out of life.

The Courage to Connect 5-Week Online Course

A 5-Week Course in Connecting with Others - Half-Off

Starting October 5, learn how to find strength in being open and vulnerable with others.

8-Week Meditation Retreat - Half-Off

Starting October 5, explore and develop seven ways of being that are both the highest forms of human development and at the core of who you already are.

Heal Democracy - Vote 2024

When you vote, you are speaking up, which makes you stronger and healthier in mind and body. Visit HealDemocracy.org to get resources for understanding your choices and making your voice heard.

Get Rick’s Free Weekly Newsletter

Get a weekly practice and the latest Being Well Podcast delivered right to your inbox.

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Ask Rick and Forrest a Question!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Recent Episodes