FERNWOOD FITNESS - PULSE eMagazine - Issue#14 - Flipbook - Page 24
Types Of Stigmas
People Face
Here are some of
the types of stigmas
people face:
• Public stigmas: This
form of stigmatisation
can appear as
bullying, exclusion and
discrimination at work,
school or in social
settings. These negative
behaviours and beliefs
can be highly damaging.
How To Overcome Stigmatisation
• Institutional stigmas:
These stigmas may
be seen in negative
policies, biases,
cultural norms and
organisational practices.
In the workplace, a
person may feel that
a disability or mental
health disorder is
holding them back, so
they continue to hide it.
• Challenge your thoughts: When
negative thoughts start to creep
in, challenge them. Remind
yourself they are not true. Try
saying, “I am worthy and I do
deserve happiness.”
• Perceived stigmas:
These stigmas are
beliefs that others
hold and that are built
on social foundations.
When media, social
media and other
content suggest that
mental illness is not
real or not as serious as
people claim, others can
be in昀氀uenced to believe
it. People may then feel
labelled and less inclined
to seek support.
Health Direct explains
that people with mental
illnesses who experience
stigmatisation can feel
discriminated against,
bullied, excluded, isolated,
unworthy and victimised.
Overcoming stigma is easier said
than done. It can take a long time
to work through the internal stigma
battle. On the inside, a person
may still grapple with thoughts
created by stigma, but this can
become easier to manage over
time, especially when practical
techniques are used.
The road is not an easy one, but
the effort is worth it. So how can
stigmatisation be overcome?
• Question everything: When
these thoughts show up, question
them. Ask why they are there.
Ask whether they are true and
examine them in detail. Very often
these thoughts are unwarranted
and built on stigma.
• Take some time to relax: A
self care strategy might sound
simple, but it can genuinely
help. Walk or run, paint, draw,
meditate, breathe deeply or
take a bath or shower. Doing
something enjoyable can take
the focus off unhelpful thoughts
and provide a lift in mood.
• Talk to someone: Talking about
feelings is one of the most
important parts of the journey.
Mental health cannot be bandaged
or put in a cast. It is not like a
visible physical injury. Sharing
how you feel with a friend, family
member, Employee Assistance
Program, GP or psychologist truly
helps. This is a key step in a mental
health journey and one of the best
moves toward recovery.
