Epigenetic research shows that such trauma can affect gene expression related to stress and emotion regulation, perpetuating disparities in mental health.

Shame is one of the most pervasive and destructive emotional forces shaping human experience. It silences, isolates, and convinces individuals that they are unworthy of belonging. When internalized, shame becomes cyclical — reinforced by social systems, family dynamics, and cultural narratives that equate vulnerability with weakness. Speaking out against shame disrupts this silence and transforms it into connection, truth-telling, and healing.

Pathological Systems: A Bowen Family Systems Theory Analysis of Dysfunction Across Family, Organization, and Society

Social shaming—the act of publicly criticizing, ostracizing, or stigmatizing individuals—has profound psychological, social, and cultural consequences. In extreme cases, it can lead to social death, where individuals are effectively erased from social recognition, access, or influence. Discrimination often arises alongside social shaming, as marginalized individuals or dissenting voices become targets.

Oppression refers to systemic discrimination where the injustice targets or disproportionately impacts specific groups of people. The Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale (TSDS) is a self-report measure designed to assess the traumatizing impact of discrimination broadly by measuring anxiety-related symptoms of trauma due to discriminatory experiences. This may include symptoms arising from racism, homophobia, sexism, poverty, or other forms of marginalization. Almost all studies of the TSDS have examined its use in marginalized ethnoracial groups, primarily African Americans. This paper will extend prior work to help us better understand racial trauma across groups by reporting and comparing TSDS mean scores across ethnoracial identities in a diverse national sample (n  =  923). It also explores trauma with other marginalized identities and demographic dimensions, including gender, sexual minority/LGBQ status, education, and income. The relationship of TSDS scores to clinical psychopathologies are examined, including stress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We also examine the unique risks associated with intersectionality, and how having multiple marginalized identities may increase traumatization. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed.

Reference

Williams, M., Osman, M., & Hyon, C. (2023). Understanding the Psychological Impact of Oppression Using the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale. Chronic stress (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), 7, 24705470221149511. https://doi.org/10.1177/24705470221149511

Combining mental health therapy with nature experience offers a different path—one that moves beyond the traditional office setting. Nature-based therapy program combines proven mental health practices with the profound healing power of the outdoors, using ecotherapy and adventure therapy to connect you with nature and self.