Racism and discrimination, killers?

Abstract

Discrimination consists in distinguishing or treating differently (mostly worse) someone or a group relatively to the rest of the community or against another person on various factors such as race, colour, sex, ethnic origin, language, religion, opinion politics, etc. It violates the fundamental principles of human rights and produces inequality. Racial and ethnic discrimination is a common and widespread form of unequal treatment of individuals. It is now proved that it creates physical health problems. It is also recognised as a risk factor for mental disorders. Research conceptualised these results and considers discrimination as an important factor of social stress. It could be a predictive factor of a history of attempted suicide and is associated with a greater likelihood of suicide attempt and suicide. We need many more studies on the links between discrimination, mental disorders and suicide and understand the mechanisms involved.