Stigma is quite similar to shame, a mark of disgrace associated with a person, especially after a particular circumstance. It comes after the feeling of rejection, shame, feeling discredited or even isolation.
Felt stigma is internal/self-stigmatization which refers to when one constantly expects discrimination, preventing them from sharing their experiences. On the other hand, enacted stigma is normally from the external environment, resulting from having experienced unfair treatment by others. Stigmatizing someone is branding and shaming them in a very symbolic way.
Stigmatization is dependent on an individual, and its causes may include;
Feeling disrespected
When one constantly feels disrespected by either different people or the same person on different occasions, one tends to question why that happens. This may make them feel worthless and even shameful to express themselves due to the fear of disrespect.
Discrimination is another cause of stigmatization
The one being discriminated against on whatever angle will always pull away and not want to be involved because, in the first place, they feel less engaged and not fitting in. This tears down their self-esteem, ability and even confidence.
Being discredited or not appreciated enough for what they do also messes people.
When they constantly achieve something or perform well in whatever they do, but the people around them keep discrediting what they’ve achieved and make comments like the task was just easy, that’s why they performed better, they can get stigmatized. This, in turn, makes them question their performance and abilities because they feel like they can’t do it any better.
Lack of awareness is another factor that causes stigmatization.
When you are unsure of your abilities and don’t know what you want, it becomes easier for you to be affected by the comments from the people around you. Self-awareness helps build a wall around you that protects you from being torn by discrimination, discredited for your achievements, and any other thing said or done to you that can make you feel any lesser or incapable. Awareness will also help you call out someone when they disrespect or shame you because you know that no one has the right to do that, whatever the case.
Stigmatization tears down an individual, and below are some of its short-term or long-term effects.
- Individuals can get mental health problems in the long run when they get stigmatized.
- One also becomes unproductive and eventually performs poorly in what they were even good at. This is because the kind of treatment they received before demotivated them.
- One also tends to isolate themselves socially. The social isolation is because of the treatment they get when around people. Isolating themselves gives them the thought of being safe in their own company, and this is because they will not at any point be shamed or disrespected.
- Stigmatization also lowers and destroys an individual’s self-esteem due to how they get treated.
Stigmatization having affected individuals in our today’s society; there are effective measures that can be put in place to help prevent and manage the situation, and they include;
- Stigmatization is mainly a result of ignorance. Educating yourself and even those around you can help prevent and reduce stigmatization.
- Being kind and empathetic. Treat people with kindness. Understand where they are coming from before aggressively questioning what they do and how/why they’re doing it.
- Choosing what we’re saying to people. Always use kind words and avoid making offensive comments to each other.
- Supporting each other can help manage stigmatization. If you notice something off about them, be sure to bring it up in a friendly way so they don’t get upset. Point out their strengths and appreciate their achievements regardless of what it is they’ve achieved.
Different things cause stigma to different individuals, and because we may not know what triggers them, it’s a good idea to avoid commenting on everything. Do not comment on weight, financial status and other personal matters. If we have to comment, at least let’s be nice. We can be honest to them but not brutally honest, as they may be triggered. Our choice of words and tone determines how the comment will be taken. The bottom line is to be kind and empathetic.
