Discrimination is a problem that affects many people in today's world, including those who are seeking medical treatment. Experiencing discrimination can have a significant impact on one's emotional state, leading to increased feelings of anxiety and stress, decreased trust in healthcare providers, and difficulty advocating for oneself. In this essay, I will discuss how experiencing discrimination in healthcare influences these three aspects of wellbeing.
Emotional safety
When someone experiences discrimination in healthcare, they may feel unsafe and unsupported. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and even anger. It is important for individuals to be able to feel safe when receiving medical care so that they can open up about their concerns and receive proper treatment. Discrimination can make it difficult to do this, as patients may feel judged or dismissed by healthcare professionals. As a result, they may avoid going to the doctor altogether or seek alternative sources of care.
Stress levels
Experiencing discrimination can also increase stress levels. Patients who experience discrimination often report feeling stressed out, anxious, and overwhelmed. They may worry about being treated unfairly or having their concerns ignored by medical staff. This can make it harder to focus on their own health needs and can lead to further health problems down the line.
Patients may feel like they need to prove themselves in order to receive adequate care, which can add additional stressors to an already stressful situation.
Self-advocacy
Experiencing discrimination in healthcare can make it difficult to self-advocate. When patients are not taken seriously or are not given the information they need, it can be hard to speak up for oneself and ask questions. This can lead to missed diagnoses, incorrect treatments, and other negative consequences. People who have experienced discrimination may also feel powerless or unable to change the system, making it more challenging to advocate for their own health needs.
How does experiencing discrimination in healthcare influence emotional safety, stress levels, and self-advocacy?
Experiencing discrimination in healthcare can have significant effects on a person's emotional safety, stress levels, and ability to advocate for themselves. Research suggests that when people experience discrimination, they may feel embarrassed, ashamed, frustrated, angry, or even powerless. This can lead to feelings of vulnerability and mistrust towards their medical providers, which can impact their ability to effectively communicate their needs and concerns (Aiken et al.