Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome

Hello, My Name Is Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome.

PTSS (Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome) is a theory developed by Dr. Joy DeGruy that seeks to explain the adaptive/survival behaviors of African American communities. In essence, PTSS exists because of trauma that has spanned generations as a result of chattel slavery.

It is important to remember that chattel slavery was based purely upon the belief that Africans were inherently/and or genetically lacking and inferior to those who were Caucasian. Chattel Slavery was then followed by institutionalised racism which continues to cause trauma.

Some effects of PTSS include…

1) Multigenerational trauma that continues to get passes down due to oppression that is one faced.

2) A lack of opportunity to heal from past trauma, causing it to be chronic and enveloping your daily existence.

3) Little/minimal access to the benefits available in society.

4) Feelings of hopelessness and depression which leads to a self destructive outlook on life.

5) Always being fearful of others; whether they belong to your own group or not. You may start to fear your own friends and family

6) Internalised Racism : it is possible that you may resent your culture and heritage as well as the physical attributes of your culture.

Well, what’s institutionalized racism?

Essentially, institutionalised racism is different from explicit racial discrimination. Instead, it is weaved into the fabric of our lives. Instead, policies and laws determine who has access to certain goods, services and opportunities dependent on the race of a person. This results in severe racial gaps amongst every system; criminal justice, health, education, banking and more. It affects where you live, where you go to school, income, exposure to pollutants and much, much more. Institutionalized racism is often invisible, but that doesn’t mean the danger is any less dangerous.

Steps we can take to deal with PTSS: 

The physical abuse witnessed and learned by Black slaves has been passed from generation to generation: it is VITAL to promote healing by…

1) Difficult conversations need to be had in order to heal from the long-lasting damage on self worth. 

2) Letting go of negative perceptions that have been created by society, and fulfil the potential we have been given. It is important that from a young age, Black children begin to envision a future that is fulfilling and worthy. In doing so, it is also important to remember that simply due to the color of one’s skin, they must work harder than their counterparts.

The oppression they may face should not be minimized or invalidated. Instead, community and family must work towards shaping children from a young age to believe they are capable, worthy and creative beings who have all the potential they desire. 

3) Being aware of the challenges you may face in your life – do not let it hinder your own personal growth. Rebuild your sense of self while helping others; connect with other black individuals and give each other the space to create their own story and way in the world. 

Moving forward from Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome Affirmation:

There is nothing wrong with me, or where I belong. I am imperfect, but equal. I am on my path to healing and blissful freedom.

Source: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, Higher Education Commons, UNC; Researcher: Devmi Epaarachchi