Many Americans have been repeatedly exposed to images and videos of disturbing violent scenes in the news and on social media. It is widely known that direct exposure to traumatic events can lead to mental health impacts such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet even without direct exposure, indirect and repeated exposure to videos of violent racist attacks can also have harmful effects on mental health.

Michelle A Williams, dean of the faculty at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, noted in a recent commentary in the journal BMJ, “Footage of police brutality helps ensure accountability, but the frequency and reach of these videos may impact the health and wellbeing of viewers.”

She writes that while there is a long history of assaults on Black community members, including by those who are supposed to serve, “our ability to watch the brutality unfold, however, is relatively new.” And while she acknowledges the videos, “do, sometimes, ensure a measure of justice for the victims . . . It is also true that these videos are deeply traumatizing.”

Research from several years ago found a correlation between the mental health of Black Americans and indirect exposure to police killings of unarmed Black Americans. The population-based study found that Black adults who were exposed to information following police killings of unarmed Black Americans in their state of residence had an increase in poor mental health days. The largest effects on mental health occurred in the first and second months after exposure.

A 2019 study found a significant association between viewing traumatic events online and symptoms and depression and PTSD. More frequent viewing of videos of traumatic experiences was associated with higher levels of PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms. Girls experiences greater PTSD and depressive symptoms than boys. Latinx individuals reported greater depressive symptoms than non-Latinx individuals. The study authors conclude that viewing police killings and other “distressing news directed at members of one's own racial-ethnic group or those who share the same immigration status, are related to poor mental health outcomes.”

Daily discrimination and microaggression experienced by many Black Americans—including online—also has a negative impact on mental health. Black men and women are more frequently exposed to these experiences of everyday discrimination and a recent study concluded that “the health-harming effects of discrimination on psychological distress begin early in the life course.”

Even while focusing is on the fight against racial injustice, self-care and paying attention to your mental health is important. Mental health professionals suggest limiting your own viewing of these events and limiting sharing or using social media warnings and notices to alert others to disturbing content. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out for help. Several organizations and publications have pulled together lists of mental health and wellness resources that focus on supporting Black Americans and other people of color:

Mental Health Resources

• Black Mental Health Resources - Mental Health Coalition
• 44 Mental Health Resources for Black People Trying to Survive in This Country
• 13 Inclusive Therapy and Mental Health Resources for BIPOCs
• Resources for the Black Community, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention