Mental Health Impacts of Bullying & Discrimination
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health affects how we think, feel, connect, and thrive - yet too many young people struggle silently.
Bullying, racism, and identity-based hate are more than just painful - they can leave deep emotional wounds that impact students' mental well-being for years.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we're shining a light on the hidden toll of discrimination and why protecting mental health is a justice issue.
Read to see the data on how bullying and hate harm mental health.
1 in 5 adults of color experience serious psychological distress due to racial discrimination. A national study found that racial discrimination was associated with a 3-fold increase in the odds of serious psychological distress.
34% of Muslim students ages 11-18 reported being bullied because they are Muslim has negatively impacted their physical, mental, or emotional well-being.
1 in 4 Muslim students ages 11-18 reported being bullied by a teacher or school staff member.
1 in 2 Muslim college students in California reported facing harassment and/or discrimination on campus due to their Muslim identity.
56% of Muslim college students reported that experiencing harassment and/or discrimination has negatively impacted their physical, mental, or emotional well-being.
LGBTQ+ youth who experienced discrimination had 3 times higher rates of attempting suicide.
The Importance
Repeated exposure to discrimination in school environments is linked to long-term PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
- The American Psychological Association
Institutional bullying - from teachers, staff, or admin - intensifies trauma and reduces trust in support systems.
Take Action
Report Hate and Discrimination to organizations such as CAIR-CA
Need help? Text “HOME” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.
