The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Racism takes a toll on the brain, research shows

By Richard Sima

16 Feb 2023 · 5 min read

Editor's Note

The Washington Post explores the link between experiences of racial discrimination and mental health issues, with new research suggesting that structural racism takes a huge toll on the brain.

Racism has negatively impacted generations of people, leading to discrimination, lost economic opportunities, racist policing and incarceration, and in many cases, death.

But even when the impact of racism is not so apparent or in the headlines, the pernicious effects of racial discrimination and structural racism take a toll on the brain and mental health, emerging research shows.

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