Racist voices are becoming louder and moving into the mainstream. How can I help my client feel safe? | Ahona Guha

Within the context of increasing anti-migrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric, Aisha found that she was hyper-vigilant and anxious about the possibility of another assaultThe modern mind is a column where experts discuss mental health issues they are seeing in their workAs far-right and anti-immigration influences take hold across the globe, people of colour are often struggling to know where they might feel safe. Encountering occasional racism has been a fact of life for people of colour in most countries in the west. Emboldened by the far-right movements, racist voices are now becoming louder and moving into the mainstream. One of the emergent themes within the therapy room has involved a resurgence of racial trauma, especially for those who have previously experienced significant such harm.

The long walk home

E very year, as the first flakes of snow settle over Kalam, Utror, Mankyal, Bahrain and other areas of upper Swat, hundreds of families start preparing for a journey their ancestors have made for centuries. Known locally as mohajirati safar this seasonal migration is one of the oldest.