A growing body of literature has recognized health disparities and has investigated the relationship between racial discrimination and poor health outcomes. Ethnic minority groups across the world face social and psychological challenges linked to their minority status, often involving racial discrimination. Racial discrimination is increasingly recognized as an important contributing factor to health disparities among non-dominant ethnic minorities. Institutional racism goes along with policies and procedures which reduce the access to mental health care. Cultural racism, both at the societal and individual level, negatively affects economic status and health by creating a policy environment triggering negative stereotypes and discrimination that are pathogenic and fostering health damaging psychological responses . There is evidence that experiences of racial discrimination are an important type of stressor that can alter the health status and lead to behavioral patterns which increase health risks. The persistence of institutional and interpersonal discrimination is driven by racism. Studies have shown that perceived and experienced racial discrimination is a significant risk factor for mental health.
In this symposium the first speaker will talk on “Emotional impact of racism and the handling of it“. The second speaker will have a talk on “Discimination, poor mental health and mental health - How can we overcome it?“. The third speaker will focus on Discrimination and racism in treatment procedures - What can we do, while the last speaker will discuss How do other countries deal with discrimination and racism - What can we learn from them?“. The plenary is invited to discuss all lectures with us.