Colorism and Its Impact on Our Well-being
I wanted to share an article I read recently about colorism, which is a form of discrimination based on skin tone. I know it might seem unrelated to our chronic illness and pain issues, but bear with me, because it's actually really relevant.
The Connection to Trauma
As we all know, trauma can exacerbate our conditions, and colorism is a form of trauma that many people of color face. The article talks about how colorism can lead to depression, anxiety, and stress, which are all things that can worsen our symptoms.
The Importance of Self-Care
What struck me about the article is the importance of self-care in combating colorism. As people with chronic illnesses, we know how crucial self-care is for managing our conditions. But for people of color, self-care is also about protecting themselves from the trauma of colorism.
The Intersection of Colorism and Healthcare
The article also touches on how colorism affects healthcare outcomes. People with darker skin tones often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, which is something we can all relate to. We've all had to fight for our diagnoses, for our treatments, and for our rights as patients.
What We Can Do
So, what can we do about it? First, we need to acknowledge that colorism is a real issue that affects many people in our community. We need to listen to each other's experiences and offer support. We also need to advocate for ourselves and for others, whether it's in our healthcare systems or in our daily lives.
Let's Support Each Other
I know it's not always easy to talk about these issues, but I want to encourage us all to be open and honest with each other. We're all in this together, and by supporting each other, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate community.
Share Your Thoughts
Has anyone else experienced colorism or seen its impact on their healthcare journey? Let's share our stories and support each other.
Source: CNN Health. (2024, August 1). Colorism: How Skin Color, Race Create a System of Disadvantage.
