Multiracial mental health: Challenges, strengths, and heroes
Challenges
The experience of having race assumed is a major challenge to the well-being of multiracial people. It is not uncommon for someone of multiracial heritage to hear microaggressions such as, “What are you?” There are also assumptions of what race the individual should or shouldn’t be perceived as. These biases may be connected to one’s speech, skin tone, and other ethnic features that factor into how they are perceived in the world.
Identity is complex for those with multiracial identities. There may be feelings of inadequacy in living up to one side of their identity or another. Multiracial individuals may also feel as though their peers invalidate one aspect of their identity or discriminate against them for not being “enough” of one identity or another. This type of discrimination can cause significant mental health challenges.
In mental health care, lack of cultural understanding of multiracial communities can be a major barrier to well-being. Therapists may not understand the specific needs of their multiracial clients or may assume their clients’ racial identities based on appearance. This can prevent individuals from getting the support they need.
There is a lack of data collection, research, and resources specific to this experience. Choosing multiple races can be complex on data collection forms. A commitment to further research is important when it comes to multiracial mental health.
Strength and resiliency factors
The good news is that multiracial individuals have strength in their experiences and perspectives. Research shows that multiracial people have the ability and agency to build resilience – even in the face of risk factors. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry:
- Multiracial children do not differ from other children in self-esteem, comfort with themselves, or number of psychiatric problems.
- Multiracial children tend to be high achievers with a strong sense of self and tolerance of diversity.
- To cope with social biases, mixed-race children may develop a public identity with the "minority" race, but maintain a private interracial identity with family and friends.
- Children with a true multiracial or multicultural identity generally grow up to be happier than multiracial children who grow up with a "single-race" identity.
The majority of multiracial adults are proud of their mixed-race heritage and are able to see their identities as an advantage in their lives. Having a multicultural identity can lead to a more empathetic world view and stronger sense of self.
In considering the mental health of these communities, there must be special attention placed on helping individuals connect with their identities to lessen negative perceptions and promote positive well-being. This must include a person-centered and community-oriented lens to ensure that each person’s unique multiracial identity is supported.
Mental health heroes
Jazmin and Meagan are both biracial women who struggled to find an authentic way to express their biracial identity. As they navigated this, they realized that there was not a space for multiracial people to connect and find community. Their own feelings of isolation inspired them to create the kind of community space they needed.This is when their organization, Mixed in America, was born. Mixed in America facilitates safe spaces through events, programs and workshops for the multiracial community. They also provide resources for healing via their website and Instagram account. They have now worked with hundreds of multiracial individuals across the U.S., Canada, and U.K. They have held more than 40 programs and facilitated healing spaces at multiple universities. They both use their training as trauma-informed practitioners, teachers, artists, somatic therapists, and reiki practitioners to support the mental health of the multiracial community.
Dr. Mawhinney is a biracial writer, creator, and educator. Her advocacy extends across many different arenas. She is a former high school English teacher at the School District of Philadelphia and she now works with aspiring teachers with a focus on the recruitment and retention of teachers of Color. She is a Professor of Urban Education and Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Academic Initiatives at Rutgers University - Newark. One of her most recent children’s books, Lulu the One and Only, is an award-winning story about a biracial young girl named Lulu. Throughout the book, Lulu is asked the question, “What are you?” She is often questioned about whether her parents are really related to her. This hurts her, so her brother inspires her to come up with a power-phrase so she can easily express the fullness of who she is. The book has had a powerful impact on the multiracial community. Dr. Mawhinney’s work, across all sectors, supports the well-being of biracial children and adults.
Take a Mental Health Test
If you are struggling with your mental health, take an anonymous, free, and private mental health test. It only takes a few minutes, and after you are finished you will be given information about the next steps you can take based on the results.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741.