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Feelings of exhaustion for being asked to represent a group aligned with a marginalized identity, dealing with the invalidation of lived experiences and repeatedly being called on for diversity work are examples of racial battle fatigue. 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Black Heritage Month Committee (BHM) presented “Battle Fatigue and the Importance of Holistic Wellness” during the SIUE Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion’s (CSDI) Inclusive Conversation series, held virtually on Friday, Feb. 12. 

“Battle fatigue is the World War II name for what is known today as post-traumatic stress,” said Tarsha Moore, BHM chair and CSDI assistant director, “It is a psychological disorder that develops in some individuals who have had major traumatic experiences. 

“Racial battle fatigue is a term coined in 2008 to describe the psychosocial stress responses from being a racially oppressed group member in society and at a predominantly white institution (PWI).” 

“Part of understanding racial battle fatigue is thinking about how to help individuals who have and are experiencing it,” said CSDI Director Lindy Wagner. “Holistic wellness is an approach to being healthy that looks at a person’s health and considers their body, mind and spirit. Attention to all three is needed to stay balanced.” 

In order for a person to replenish their cup, Moore examined self-care tips for racial battle fatigue:  

• Mindful isolation
• Discharge the energy
• Participate in relaxing activities (i.e. yoga and meditation)
• Connect in the community
• Engage in social justice causes
• Ask for help
• Get good rest
• Take breaks from social media
• Attend to your whole essence

 Wagner added ways that others can be supportive of those experiencing racial battle fatigue:

• Show ally-ship through social action
• Reach out and do well-being checks
• Use your voice to stand against racial discrimination
• Attend multiple equity and inclusion training/workshop/meetings (consistency is key)
• Check your own implicit biases
• Review articles, documentaries, movies and other resources on the issues

“Students, faculty, staff and community members of color are depending on peers and administrators to provide them with the support they need to avoid experiencing racial battle fatigue,” concluded Moore. “If we all work together to help avoid creating environments that cause racial battle fatigue, we can propel ourselves forward to create thriving environments where all of our colleagues, including those of color, can truly be their best selves and do their best work.”

For information on other upcoming events, visit BHM calendar. 

Photo:
(L-R) CSDI Director Lindy Wagner and CSDI Assistant Director and BHM Chair Tarsha Moore.