06/07/2026
Have you heard of minority stress? If not, it is the chronic stress experienced by marginalized groups living in a world that doesn't always feel safe to exist in authentically.
It is not just about big, obvious moments of prejudice and discrimination, but it also exists in the smaller, repeated microaggressions that those belonging to marginalized groups carry every day. Over time, this sort of stress builds in the body as internalizing the attitudes of others begins to impact both mental and physical health, coming out as exhaustion, anxiety, depression,increased blood pressure, and more.
A few of the many ways that minority stress can show up are:
Bracing yourself before entering certain spaces.
Replaying conversations to make sure you didn't say too much.
Feeling the need to edit parts of yourself to fit in, such as code-switching.
Feeling responsible for the bias and comfort of others.
If this resonates, here are some ways you can support yourself while showing up in a world that feels like it requires you to shrink, even at the expense of yourself:
Take care of your basic needs: eat, sleep, move. Take care of yourself as often as you can.
Name it; put language to your experience to validate yourself.
Practice grounding, be in nature, and practice breathwork.
Be in community with others who make you feel safe.
Find pockets of joy, even small ones.
It is not just personal; it is systemic, and you deserve to live your life without bracing for impact. Remember that you are seen, valued, and loved, and that it is not just you, it is minority stress.
