Race Related Stress Resources - University of Houston
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Race Related Stress Resources

Coping with Racial Trauma

Anti-Racist Resources

CAPS Racial Trauma is Real Workshop

Action Steps

Articles

Books

  • Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy
  • How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X Kendi
  • The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
  • Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • The Racial Healing Handbook: Practical Activities to Help You Challenge Privilege, Confront Systemic Racism & Engage in Collective Healing
  • The Cost of Racism for People of Color
  • Healing Racial Trauma: The Road to Resilience
  • White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism
  • Mental Health, Race and Culture
  • I’m Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness
  • Men We Reaped: Jesmyn Ward

Online Magazine/Publications

Text & Phone Supports

Crisis Text Line for Young POC
Text STEVE to 741741

Asian Lifenet Hotline
1-877-990-8585

CAPS Stands Against APPI Hate

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, inflammatory and xenophobic rhetoric, harassment, and acts of violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander (APPI) persons, families and communities have increased. In solidarity with the Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities we stand against these acts that damage our society and that are counter to the values of CAPS and our UH Community. Direct and indirect exposure to such events can be troubling and traumatizing and can result in many emotional reactions. If you are in distress, please know we are here to help. Students may contact CAPS by calling 713-743-5454. More support resources are listed below.

CAPS Honors All Black Lives

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) grieves the horrific deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Tony McDade who represent only a few victims of violence and police brutality against Black individuals and communities. We acknowledge the enduring anguish, outrage, despair and exhaustion experienced by our Black communities. We condemn the longstanding history of structural and systemic injustice, prejudice, discrimination, hate, intolerance and violence against Black people. CAPS unequivocally stands in solidarity with the UH Cougar Community, especially our Black students, faculty, staff, and community members...

As mental health providers, we acknowledge the immeasurable harm that oppression causes to the emotional and physical well-being of marginalized populations. We see the higher rates of trauma, depression, anxiety and suicide caused by racism. Experiencing or witnessing trauma can result in a range of feelings and emotions, such as shock, fear, sadness, anger, helplessness, exhaustion or guilt. CAPS is committed to affirming and providing care for all our students who have been directly or vicariously impacted by trauma caused by racism, bigotry, prejudice and indifference.

We recognize that it is not enough to make statements of support. The reality is, there cannot be true well-being when there is pervasive inequity and hatred. Those in positions of power must examine how their privilege can be channeled toward addressing inequities, breaking down barriers, and protecting and empowering Black lives and marginalized populations.

CAPS will continue to confront the impact of bigotry and hate by leading and joining with others on campus to speak openly about systems of oppression and by offering a safe space for those who are seeking support. Within CAPS, we are committed to: listening non-defensively; being mindful of the impact of our behaviors; identifying and managing our micro-aggressions; holding ourselves accountable by asking, “what am I doing that perpetuates racism?”; training all staff about racial trauma; examining our policies and procedures to ensure we are affirming to all; identifying more online resource materials to support our UH community; advocating for a systematic dismantling of intolerance; and standing proud and brave as allies for our Black students, faculty, and staff who suffer from oppression, marginalization, and persecution.

If you or someone you know would like support during this emotional time, or at any point in the future, please do not hesitate to call CAPS at 713-743-5454. In kindness, love and solidarity.