Race and racism’s impact on mental wellness

Race plays a considerable role in the definition and experiences of populations worldwide. Within and across borders, the phenotypic features of individuals can influence their social ranking, opportunities, and experiences of discrimination. Racism may manifest overtly or through chronic difficulties, life events, or experiences of micro-traumas and microaggressions. The cumulative effect of these can be a deterioration in mental well-being and in some occasions the precipitation and perpetuation of mental disorders. With migration, an individual may experience significant changes in racial identity and community status as they navigate a new legislative and societal infrastructure. This chapter highlights the impact of individual and institutional factors on mental well-being at the intersection of race with migration.