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Anxiety & Fear of Discrimination

Overview:

A new study titled Discrimination, Depression, and Anxiety Among US Adults was published on the 28th of March 2025. This research has found that more than half of US adults encounter some form of discrimination, and this may increase the likelihood of developing anxiety and depression. 

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The different types of discrimination

It is against the law to discriminate against anyone because of:

  • Age

  • Gender reassignment

  • Being married or in a civil partnership

  • Being pregnant or on maternity leave

  • Sexual orientation

  • Disability

  • Race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin

  • Religion or belief

  • Sex

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As defined by the Equality Act 2010.

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​How can we be discriminated against?

  • Direct discrimination - treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others

  • Indirect discrimination - putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but that put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage

  • Harassment - unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment for them

  • Victimisation - mistreating someone because they’ve complained about discrimination or harassment

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Why does this matter?

Rethink Mental Illness found that these types of stigma and discrimination stop 3 out of 5 people experiencing mental illness from seeking help.

 

Our anxiety is exacerbated by the shame and fear of being judged by others. It can stop us from going into work, seeing our friends or family, or taking part in the hobbies we used to enjoy

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What can we do about it?

  • Discrimination at work: Talk to your employer, or your HR department, or follow your ‘whistleblowing’ or ‘speaking up’ procedure

  • Discrimination in your personal life: Set clear boundaries. Let them know how you’re feeling and why, if you feel safe to do so. Distance yourself if it feels like a situation that is unsafe to speak up in or if the problem can’t be resolved.

 

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