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Attention Jun 20, 2020 at 02:03 AM
  #1
Hi, I was wondering if we can get a section for people who develop mental health issues due to issues with resolving racial identity. I am writing because I am a biracial black/white man, and I have reason to believe that many of my mental health issues were caused by my denial of my race. I think from what I see, cultural and ethnic issues in mental health are often overlooked. I was in therapy for 11 years and none of my clinicians cought this. Sadly, I had to figure this out all on my own. I would really appreciate a forum for biracials and mental health, because I think it is a big issue in the society we live in today. At the very least, these issues can cause chronic depression, low self-esteem, and even more serious issues such as mood disorders. I would appreciate your consideration of this important issue. Thank you
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Attention Jun 20, 2020 at 11:49 AM
  #2
I absolutely agree I am mixed with lots of different races. For a long time I had a mindset that I was better than just African american people. Mentally, this was a huge struggle.
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Default Jun 20, 2020 at 12:05 PM
  #3
Be proud of who you are.

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Racial Identity issues and mental health

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Default Jun 20, 2020 at 02:48 PM
  #4
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Originally Posted by NOS-NOS View Post
Hi, I was wondering if we can get a section for people who develop mental health issues due to issues with resolving racial identity. I am writing because I am a biracial black/white man, and I have reason to believe that many of my mental health issues were caused by my denial of my race. I think from what I see, cultural and ethnic issues in mental health are often overlooked. I was in therapy for 11 years and none of my clinicians cought this. Sadly, I had to figure this out all on my own. I would really appreciate a forum for biracials and mental health, because I think it is a big issue in the society we live in today. At the very least, these issues can cause chronic depression, low self-esteem, and even more serious issues such as mood disorders. I would appreciate your consideration of this important issue. Thank you
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Default Jun 21, 2020 at 11:50 AM
  #5
Historically, as you know, a person with any black blood was considered black--so II suggest you go with that. It would cause fewer complications.

Maybe at least folks with such issues can post here.
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Default Jun 21, 2020 at 03:18 PM
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I think from what I see, cultural and ethnic issues in mental health are often overlooked.
i agree wholeheartedly. and i agree that its tough to get mental health treatment when professionals don't understand me.

i think having a forum for racial identity struggles is a great idea. i'm not biracial but i'm a poc. it's a lifelong struggle for me, causing a lot of pain, but i don't feel comfortable speaking about it on psych central.
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Default Jun 23, 2020 at 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Travelinglady View Post
Historically, as you know, a person with any black blood was considered black--so II suggest you go with that. It would cause fewer complications.

Maybe at least folks with such issues can post here.
@Travelinglady

What if the person had more white 'blood' than black - why can't they consider themselves white? Or wouldn't people like that?

So, I think the issues anyone has with racial identity should be addressed by the person who has the issue, and with someone who actually understands the issue. No offense, Travelinglady.
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Default Jun 23, 2020 at 07:00 PM
  #8
I was just thinking of someone who has one parent who is white and one who is black, and looks black. I have a friend in that situation. Her son is happy with his black identity.

I think it would depend on what race the person looks like. Many people are of mixed races these days from somewhere down the line. And there are versions of black from being very dark to being very light-skinned.

Please help me to understand. I want to help, not sound biased or ignorant about these things. I thought things would get better with Obama's situation. I see lots of mixed race couples these days. Are they condemning their children to identity issues?

I know we had one member a while back who was upset about his mixed identity. He told me he was white and something else--but he never wanted to tell me what the something else is.

And I also have a friend with a white and Chinese grandchild. Will that child likely have problems? One of my sons might date and even marry a black woman. Is that a bad idea for his children?

I have noticed difference in "cultures" depending on how one identifies--such as dress and kind of music one listens to--and even how one talks to each other. If only we could be more accepting, so it wouldn't seem to be "bad" to be black or non-white in the U.S. and other such countries. I gather, Nos-Nos, that you would prefer a "white" identity?
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Default Jun 23, 2020 at 09:02 PM
  #9
@Travelinglady

Hi, I hear you, and I appreciate your reply, thanks.

For me, I say it's up to the individual to come to his or her own place of understanding and security about themselves and also with others projected definitions of who they are, as well. It can be a difficult long journey.

I mean no disrespect, but take your first comment for example, which is a widely held view - but it's all wrong. It's saying if a person has a smidgen of black genes in them (which, btw, in terms of 'race,' there is no such thing or 'white race genes' for that matter) then the person can be considered black. Well, using the same logic, if a fully black person has a smidgen of 'white' in them, then they can be accepted as white right? But the answer to that is a resounding 'no!' in the current way everybody looks at things. So it's a double standard and it's all about something as superficial as the way a person looks - not blood or genes or anything.

As I say, it's up to the individual to find their way through this divided world in the best way they can. I'm not the right person to talk about 'race' because the way I look at this issue is not helpful to someone seeking a 'racial identity', unfortunately. I only see human beings and I want to keep it that way.
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Default Jun 23, 2020 at 09:25 PM
  #10
Yes, I indicated that the thought used to be that one drop of black made someone black. I guess that helped back in the day when there were separate everythings for blacks and whites. Thank goodness that's not true now.

I have another question: What if a white (And even, say, with white skin and blue eyes) wanted to identify as black, saying her great-great grandmother was black.. Would that person be accepted by blacks? Or is that part of the issue? I know a black group complained about someone with white features for proclaiming herself black and promoting a black cause.

The history is that black people with light skin are more accepted, and some of them have even worked toward that cause.

Kamila Harris and Tiger Woods are not of black heritage, are they? But they are considered black.

Nos-nos, I'm trying to start your identity thread here. Hello? Am I not touching on any of the issues? Help us out here, please--and maybe other folks with the issue will jump in,
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Default Jun 24, 2020 at 12:16 AM
  #11
@Travelinglady

Yes, there are a lot of questions and I'm just not able to help because, for me, personally, I think the whole notion of 'race' - which has undergone it's own evolution over the centuries - is itself the problem(!) as all it does is divide people into groups and categories which in reality, don't even exist. Race is a social construct, friend. Cultures exist, yes, but that's not the same as so called 'race'. And color of skin isn't race any more than brown hair is a distinct 'race' or people having hairier legs than others is a distinct 'race'. And there's no race gene. Why? Because it doesn't exist. And look at all the problems it causes in societies everywhere - "Oh, you belong to that race. You're not the same as me." And it's all wrong, Travelinglady. That's why I identify simply as a human being, forget race. But guess what? In today's societies, even that idea is controversial! Me: "I identify as a human being." Society: "Oh, no you don't. You must adhere to a specific race!!" 🤣🤣 But, do people have the right to adhere to racial ideas and concepts? Of course they do. And other people have the right to challenge it, as well.

I can't speak for how people who adopt a racial approach to their lives should think, though, because I'd like to see the whole idea vanish in a puff of smoke. Pooof!!

That's why I said I can't be of any help to anyone seeking a racial identity, and I really do hope NOS-NOS finds some peace of heart and mind with any issue being faced. And I'm sorry if I hijacked your thread with possibly triggering views too, NOS-NOS.

Peace & Love. That's all from me.
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Default Jun 24, 2020 at 06:26 AM
  #12
I'm thinking "race" is more than a social construct, obviously. But I agree that it shouldn't matter. But why are we always having to answer other than doctors' information sheets with our race/ethnicity? Quotas?

I was thinking about this issue earlier, and remembering when I went to Hawaii how impressed I was that they as a state are not that caring about "race." In fact, they are encouraged to intermarry. Remember that's where Obama is from.

I hope I have not offended anyone. That wasn't my goal. I was just trying to jumps tart the topic. I will leave, too, now--and I hope this thread continues. But I will place this issue in the community forum for a forum on this subject to get started.
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Default Jun 24, 2020 at 11:06 AM
  #13
I don’t think we can tell people to assume one identity over the other because WE think it’s easier or because they look certain way.

I also don’t believe that we need to go by how people look. What difference does it make.

I had people asking why I don’t look Jewish. I don’t know why I born blonde. My whole family looks Jewish, no clue why I don’t, don’t make me less of who I am and identify with.

I know people identifying themselves black and they don’t look black at all. And then some very dark skinned biracial people don’t identify as black.

Identity is way more than looks and is way more complex than just choosing what’s easier. If we all chose what’s easier many probably would sign up to be a majority. Much safer. But that’s not the case and easier isn’t always the answer
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Default Jun 24, 2020 at 11:19 AM
  #14
Quote:
Originally Posted by Travelinglady View Post
I'm thinking "race" is more than a social construct, obviously. But I agree that it shouldn't matter. But why are we always having to answer other than doctors' information sheets with our race/ethnicity? Quotas?
Racial and ethnical backgrounds could place us at different risks for different diseases. It’s a known and well researched scientifically proven fact. There’s no confusion in there. Yes it matters.

But you are free not to disclose. Personally I want my doctors to know.

Gene mutations within specific ethnicities make certain diseases more prevalent.
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Smile Jun 24, 2020 at 12:20 PM
  #15
Really? People who look like a certain race but identify as a different one? And that's accepted? That's good to know. So many choices. And I get frustrated even by all the different kinds of shampoo and toothpaste....

I know some people no longer identify as either male or female. Our world is sure changing. I'm okay with it, but it sure takes some adjustments in how things are structured--such as male bathrooms versus female, clothes differences, etc.

So, do we need to ask somebody how they identify? That makes life more interesting.
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Default Jun 24, 2020 at 01:16 PM
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Really? People who look like a certain race but identify as a different one? And that's accepted? That's good to know. So many choices. And I get frustrated even by all the different kinds of shampoo and toothpaste....

I know some people no longer identify as either male or female. Our world is sure changing. I'm okay with it, but it sure takes some adjustments in how things are structured--such as male bathrooms versus female, clothes differences, etc.

So, do we need to ask somebody how they identify? That makes life more interesting.
Where does it need to be accepted??? Accepted by whom? Who is going to question???

Many mixed race people look like more like one race, but it doesn’t mean they can’t claim other race. Have you never met biracial (for example black and white) people who look very white. Are you saying they are not allowed to say they are of black race because they don’t look black enough???? Or biracial (for example black and Asian) people must identify as blacks as they look more black than Asian? I am so extremely confused. Where do you get this stuff? Are you saying biracial people must claim whatever race they look more like and in addition they must seek acceptance by someone when they claim their identity??? By whom?

Who do you need to ask how they identify? Just come up to strangers and ask? Why? You don’t think doctors need to ask ethnicity and race (legitimate questions) but some strangers could question people’s identity?

Honestly I am so confused by your posts.
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Default Jun 24, 2020 at 07:26 PM
  #17
I'm just speaking from personal experience. But note that I am a 65 year old and maybe behind the times. Sorry to confuse you. I just was thinking it would be easier to identify with the race one looks most like--but it's certainly not a requirement, for goodness sake.

I think we will see more mixed race children over time, now that different race marriages and relationships are more accepted.

Okay, this old relic is moving on.......
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Default Jun 24, 2020 at 08:54 PM
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I'm just speaking from personal experience. But note that I am a 65 year old and maybe behind the times. Sorry to confuse you. I just was thinking it would be easier to identify with the race one looks most like--but it's certainly not a requirement, for goodness sake.

I think we will see more mixed race children over time, now that different race marriages and relationships are more accepted.

Okay, this old relic is moving on.......
Well you were surprised that it’s “accepted” for people identify with a race if they don’t look like it. That’s why I was confused who you think needs to provide such acceptance. And who can tell people how to feel about their own identity. It sounded all kind of wrong to me. I am not young either btw. But it’s 2020. I live in a very multi cultural multi racial metro area so this line of thinking just sounds very foreign to me.

Take care. I am bowing out. This conversation is triggering like heck so I’ll go do self care now
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