Discussion Topic
Stigma
Posted on 08/21/08, 11:04 am
I just found a great article about stigma: http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/...
Stigma is a mark of disgrace or shame. It has four components:
* Labeling someone with a condition
* Stereotyping people with that condition
* Creating a division - a superior "us" group and a devalued "them" group, resulting in loss of status in the community
* Discriminating against someone on the basis of their label
Here are some ways you can cope with and help end stigma:
* Get appropriate treatment. Don't let the fear or anticipation of being stigmatized prevent you from seeking treatment for your illness. For some people, a specific diagnosis provides relief because it lifts the burden of keeping silent and also underscores that you aren't alone - that many others share your same illness and issues.
* Surround yourself with supportive people. Because stigma can lead to social isolation, it's important to stay in touch with family and friends who are understanding. Isolation can make you feel even worse.
* Make your expectations known. People may not know how to support you, even if they want to help. Offer specific suggestions and remind people of appropriate language.
* Don't equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. So instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder." Instead of calling yourself "a schizophrenic," call yourself "a person with schizophrenia." Don't say you "are depressed." Say you "have depression."
* Share your own experiences. Speaking at events can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and also educate the public about mental illness. Until you gain confidence, you may want to start at small events, such as talks at a support group or a local chapter of a national advocacy group.
* Monitor the media. If you spot stigmatizing stories, comic strips, movies, television shows or even greeting cards, write letters of protest that identify the problem and offer solutions.
* Join an advocacy group. Some local and national groups have programs to watch for and correct archaic stereotypes, misinformation and disrespectful portrayals of people with mental illnesses.
Stigma is a mark of disgrace or shame. It has four components:
* Labeling someone with a condition
* Stereotyping people with that condition
* Creating a division - a superior "us" group and a devalued "them" group, resulting in loss of status in the community
* Discriminating against someone on the basis of their label
Here are some ways you can cope with and help end stigma:
* Get appropriate treatment. Don't let the fear or anticipation of being stigmatized prevent you from seeking treatment for your illness. For some people, a specific diagnosis provides relief because it lifts the burden of keeping silent and also underscores that you aren't alone - that many others share your same illness and issues.
* Surround yourself with supportive people. Because stigma can lead to social isolation, it's important to stay in touch with family and friends who are understanding. Isolation can make you feel even worse.
* Make your expectations known. People may not know how to support you, even if they want to help. Offer specific suggestions and remind people of appropriate language.
* Don't equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. So instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder." Instead of calling yourself "a schizophrenic," call yourself "a person with schizophrenia." Don't say you "are depressed." Say you "have depression."
* Share your own experiences. Speaking at events can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and also educate the public about mental illness. Until you gain confidence, you may want to start at small events, such as talks at a support group or a local chapter of a national advocacy group.
* Monitor the media. If you spot stigmatizing stories, comic strips, movies, television shows or even greeting cards, write letters of protest that identify the problem and offer solutions.
* Join an advocacy group. Some local and national groups have programs to watch for and correct archaic stereotypes, misinformation and disrespectful portrayals of people with mental illnesses.
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Reply #1 08/28/08 3:43am
This all takes courage to step up and be recognized. It is very hard to stand up and stand out because you will be calling attention to yourself. Tom -
Reply #2 08/30/08 10:16am
I agree with tom2687, it takes alot of courage to stand up and be recognized. I haven't told alot of people in my life about my illness because I don't know how they will react. I'm afraid that they will have a poor reaction or will stop talking to me as one so-called friend did when I told her about my depression. I can't afford to lose more people in my life. -
Reply #3 09/01/08 12:43am
I don't feel stigmatised...but, I see what you are saying to speak out about Bipolar disorder. It is hard to place yourself on the front of something so intimidating, and I use that word because of the ignorance of others perceptions of the Mentally Ill... For example, look at the news report of the woman who was Mentally Ill and killed her five children. I was actually compared to her when I opened up to a family member while we were having a conversation.
To say I feel stigmatised--hope I spelled it right---is like saying I can't function as a person. I refuse to place myself in a situation where I may feel vunerable to others...Which is why I am adament about my own Mental Health and support system. The woman that said that awful statement has no clue about Mental Illness, and my guess is that she has no empathy for anyone.
Yes, it is necessary to stand up for who we are, but the first thing Mentally Ill people have to do is live our own lives, and make sure we seek treatment to live as functioning life as possible.
They aren't standing up for the stigmatisism of Mental Illness, I believe that they are standing up for the fight of Mental Illness. We need the respect that we are strong and we can live normally. -
Reply #4 09/19/08 11:29am
thanxs for the great info
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