The Psychological Impact of Political Attacks Against Immigrants
For most of human existence, we were mostly unaware of what was happening just a few towns over — never mind on another continent. So, while the digital age has brought some interesting developments, it’s also set us up to be bombarded with information. We can rarely be certain that such information is accurate, but that doesn’t stop this influx from impacting our well-being.
Take, for example, the attacks against immigrants. These attacks may be legislative, rhetorical, or physical. In some cases, the details are consciously obscured. However, the particulars don’t stop many people from suffering due to this divisive trend. Most importantly, the immigrants themselves don’t have the luxury of time-consuming analysis when faced with possible danger. It should come as no surprise that this is a recipe for psychological distress.
Could Any of This Be Connected to Generational Trauma?
This question allows us to focus more closely on people who are at a higher risk of being targeted. Documented or undocumented, anyone who appears to be from another country can face unprovoked attacks. In fact, their parents and grandparents have probably also endured such discrimination. When a group of people chronically experience unfair treatment, it can be traumatic, and thus, it can be passed down from generation to generation.
The recent headlines about immigration might trigger anyone who is trying to cope with generational trauma — especially if they are unaware of this reality. The symptoms listed in the next section might suggest that trauma is playing an active role in your response.
How Do I Know If Immigration News Is Causing Me Emotional Stress?
It’s one thing to get worked up during a social media flame war. Actions like this serve no positive purpose and can often be left behind without a long-term effect. However, if political attacks against immigrants are increasing anxiety in your life, you can recognize this reality via signs and symptoms like:
Physical
Hyper-vigilance and being easily startled
Sleep disturbances
Physical complaints that have no clear cause
Appetite and digestive changes
Irritability that can become angry outbursts
Rapid heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath, and more
Panic attacks
Behavioral
Fixating on news reports
Becoming frustrated and cynical about the state of the world
Intolerance for opposing beliefs
Black-and-white thinking
Feeling like no one understands what’s really going on or what you’re going through
Taking Steps to Ease Your Mind While Working to Make a Difference
Be Wary of Manipulative Content
Websites and social media platforms want your eyes on their content for as long as possible. Therefore, this often means they will use misleading clickbait and inflammatory language to stir up more emotion. This topic should be taken seriously, so take time away from your devices to tune into what feels true to you and what you can control.
Take Targeted Steps
Anyone can virtue signal online, but the targets of such policies need direct relief. Channel some of the stress, anxiety, and depression into productive steps that offer hope and help create community. The goal should be around creating change rather than doom-scrolling.
Practice Self-Care
You can’t help anyone until you help yourself. Safeguard your patterns of sleep, eating, and exercise. Practice relaxation techniques. Seek out balance when it comes to the content you’re consuming. It’s tempting to fixate solely on one topic, but again, that doesn’t help anyone. Maintain perspective and leave room for big-picture thinking and actions.
You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone
Perhaps those in power would prefer us to feel alone, but we gain more power when we ask for help. If political attacks against immigrants are overwhelming you, I’m here to talk. Reach out to learn more about trauma or anxiety counseling.
