The burning pain of stigmatisation

This of course leads to other kinds of social impairments because victims of stigmatisation are literally isolated from the norm.

Particular groups of individuals who are afflicted by mental illness and HIV/AIDs are harder hit by this scourge. Whilst stigmatisation differs from discrimination, there is a strong alignment as one easily leads to another.

The negative impact of stigma on those so affected is huge, as their ability is limited in obtaining and keeping a job, effectively settling in school without running the risk of bullying, living safely without being jeered upon, acceptance from family, friends as well as their communities, accessing loans and/or any goods or services to which they are so entitled in the normal scheme of things and social justice. Of significant concern, are the grave consequences of public illusion and apprehension, and so, their self-esteem and overall sense of being is crushed instantly.

Stigmatisation is not alone as it brings with it shame, blame, hopelessness, distress, reluctance to seek help and perhaps reaching out to others and the possibility exists for a fatality if left unaddressed.

Reducing stigma requires all to introspect …because remember, individuals to whom the stigma is being directed for the most part, were not born that way and therefore, more compassion and tolerance must be exercised in dealing with them.

Victims should avoid remaining silent and attempt to reach out to family members and/or close friends with the capacity to help. Remove the “victim label” as you may be living with a condition, and not necessarily suffering from a disease. The use of language is extremely important as attaching negative names to afflicted persons, only make an already bad situation worse as the self-fulfilling prophecy steps right in.

Avoid judging and stereotyping individuals with mental illnesses; instead seek assistance on their behalf.

Stigmatisation is one of the many social issues which will be addressed at the Conference - “The Power Within: Love Your Body, Love You” on January 26, 2017. Book your space now – call us at 638-1083, 268-6078 and 684- 6982.

To obtain a copy of the book With Women in Mind call 283-0318 or 795-9531.

Sandrine Rattan is a Communications/ Branding Consultant/ Author and President of the International Women’s Resource Network (IWRN) Contact: thecorporatesuitett@gmail.

com or intlwomensresourcenetwork@ gmail.com