Living in 2025 as a Black, Brown, and Diverse Person of Color comes with unique challenges that can intensify feelings of anxiety. The intersection of systemic inequities, cultural expectations, and the evolving global and political landscape makes navigating mental health an ongoing struggle for many.
Yet, acknowledging these realities and equipping yourself with effective tools can be an empowering step toward healing. In this blog, we’ll explore the nuanced experience of anxiety for people of color and provide actionable strategies to navigate it with strength and resilience.
Understanding the Root Causes of Anxiety for People of Color
Anxiety doesn’t exist in a vacuum. For Black, Brown, and Diverse People of Color, it often stems from lived experiences shaped by systemic racism, generational trauma, and social inequalities. Here are some factors that uniquely contribute to anxiety in communities of color:
- Racial Microaggressions: Daily encounters with forms of discrimination can chip away at a person’s sense of self-worth and belonging.
- Cultural Expectations: Many communities of color place high value on collective success and resilience. While these values are strengths, they can also lead to internalized pressure to suppress vulnerabilities.
- Economic Disparities: Structural inequities in education, housing, and employment opportunities often lead to financial stress, a significant driver of anxiety.
- Generational Trauma: The psychological effects of historical oppression don’t simply disappear; they manifest in mental health challenges passed down through generations.
- Media Representation: Underrepresentation and misrepresentation in media can create a distorted sense of identity and fuel feelings of inadequacy.
- Political Turmoil: Everything is political. When the freedoms and voices of Black, Brown, and Diverse People of Color are silenced and stopped due to the political landscape, then feelings of worry start to creep in and take root in a person’s being.
Understanding these root causes is the first step toward acknowledging that anxiety for people of color is not just an individual issue—it’s tied to broader societal and political structures.
Acknowledging the Stigma Around Mental Health
A cultural shift has begun to normalize conversations about mental health. Movements led by activists, therapists, and influencers of color are breaking down barriers and redefining what it means to seek help. Yet, the journey to destigmatize mental health is ongoing, and addressing this stigma is crucial for healing.
Strategies for Managing Anxiety in 2025
Navigating anxiety requires a holistic approach that addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Here are some strategies tailored for Black, Brown, and Diverse People of Color:
- Find a Culturally Competent and Politically Aware Therapist
- Seeking therapy can feel intimidating, especially if your therapist doesn’t share or understand your cultural and political background. Look for mental health professionals who specialize in working with diverse communities and demonstrate cultural and political humility. At Coral Heart Counseling, we have therapists who are culturally and political aware so that supporting our clients in year 2025 can be achieved through a lens that uplifts, empowers, validates, and supports.
- Establish Healthy Boundaries
- Anxiety can worsen when you overextend yourself to meet familial or societal expectations. Practice saying no when necessary and prioritize your mental health without guilt.
- Engage in Community Healing
- Healing doesn’t have to happen alone. Attend cultural events, join affinity groups, or participate in healing circles that center the experiences of Black, Brown, and Diverse People of Color. Collective support can be a powerful antidote to anxiety.
- Practice Mindfulness in Your Own Way
- Mindfulness doesn’t have to look like sitting cross-legged on a yoga mat. It can be dancing to your favorite music, cooking a traditional meal, or practicing ancestral rituals. Choose mindfulness practices that resonate with your identity.
- Limit Media Consumption
- Constant exposure to negative news, particularly about racial and political injustices, can exacerbate anxiety. Set boundaries for how much media you consume, and ensure you’re balancing difficult news with uplifting content.
- Explore Creative Outlets
- Creativity can be a therapeutic release for emotions tied to anxiety. Writing, painting, music, or storytelling are all ways to express yourself while connecting with cultural traditions.
- Address Financial Anxiety
- Financial stress is a common source of anxiety, especially in marginalized communities. Seek financial literacy resources, connect with mentors, or explore programs designed to support communities of color in building wealth and stability.
- Incorporate Movement
- Physical activity can help reduce anxiety, and it doesn’t have to involve a gym. Walking in nature, practicing martial arts, or engaging in traditional dances are culturally meaningful ways to incorporate movement.
Advocating for Systemic Change
While individual strategies are important, addressing the root causes of anxiety also requires systemic change. Here’s how you can contribute to broader advocacy efforts:
- Vote and Participate in Civic Engagement: Support policies and leaders that prioritize mental health access and equity.
- Support Grassroots Organizations: Many local organizations work to improve conditions for communities of color. Volunteering or donating can make a tangible difference.
- Challenge Workplace Inequities: Advocate for mental health initiatives and diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within your workplace.
- Educate and Empower: Share resources and knowledge about mental health with your community to help break the stigma and create collective empowerment.
Resources for People of Color Navigating Anxiety
Finding culturally specific resources can make all the difference in your healing journey. Here are some options to explore:
- Podcasts: “Therapy for Black Girls” and “Latinx Therapy” offer relatable mental health conversations.
- Books: Works like “The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health” by Dr. Rheeda Walker or “My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem provide insightful perspectives.
- Online Communities: Social media groups or forums can offer peer support and shared experiences.
- Hotlines and Crisis Support: Organizations like the Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM) and the Asian Mental Health Collective offer crisis resources.
Embracing the Journey
Navigating anxiety as a Black, Brown, and Diverse Person of Color in 2025 means balancing individual healing with collective resilience. While the path is challenging, it’s also a testament to the strength and the richness of cultural identity. By prioritizing your mental health and seeking support through anxiety therapy and community resources, you can pave the way for not only your healing but also for future generations.
Remember, your mental health matters. You are not alone, and there are resources, communities, and professionals ready to walk this journey with you.
