The term "chronic discrimination" refers to the pervasive and persistent mistreatment of individuals based on their identity characteristics, such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, national origin, etc., which can lead to negative physical and psychological effects. In particular, it can cause physiological and emotional dysregulation, affecting an individual's overall well-being. This article will discuss how chronic discrimination contributes to physiological and emotional dysregulation.
Physiological Dysregulation
One way that chronic discrimination can contribute to physiological dysregulation is through the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These hormones are released when the body perceives a threat, preparing it for fight-or-flight response.
When a person experiences chronic discrimination, these hormones remain elevated, leading to increased blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation in the body.
This can increase the risk of health conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease.
Discrimination can lead to sleep disturbances, weight changes, and other physical symptoms related to stress, further contributing to physiological dysregulation.
Emotional Dysregulation
Chronic discrimination can also lead to emotional dysregulation, characterized by difficulty regulating one's emotions. This may manifest as mood swings, anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The constant experience of rejection, exclusion, and marginalization can erode an individual's sense of self-worth and self-efficacy, leading to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair.
Individuals who experience chronic discrimination may develop avoidance behaviors to cope with their negative experiences, such as isolating themselves from others or engaging in substance abuse. These coping mechanisms can exacerbate emotional dysregulation and contribute to long-term mental health problems.
Chronic discrimination can have significant effects on an individual's well-being, contributing to both physiological and emotional dysregulation. It is essential for society to acknowledge and address systemic forms of discrimination to promote inclusivity and reduce these adverse outcomes. Individuals who experience discrimination should seek support through therapy or other resources to manage the negative impacts on their health and well-being.
How does chronic discrimination contribute to physiological and emotional dysregulation?
Chronic discrimination refers to continuous experiences of social exclusion that are often unpredictable and difficult to avoid. These experiences can lead to long-term stress responses which may affect an individual's physical health and mental well-being. Physiologically, chronic discrimination can result in increased levels of cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine - all hormones associated with the body's fight-or-flight response.