Stigma Makes the World Slow Down
Why does stigma make the world slow down?
Think of every person who does not dare to dream or try something new because either:
a) they are not given equal opportunity
or
b) they believe & internalize the societal myths/stigma placed upon them
The more stigma we generate, the less opportunity and creativity there is to be cultivated in this world. Just because someone cannot do something like you would do it, does not mean they cannot do it at all. For the purpose of this article, I will be discussing stigma surrounding mental illness—but keep in mind, stigma can be applied in many other areas of life. I encourage you to be aware of how you perceive and respond to people who are different than you—because bias exists within all of us.
Mental Illness Myth
When it comes to mental illness, stigma is a huge barrier to recovery. I have many clients who believe that what is portrayed on the news is what the world believes about all people with mental illness—that they are somehow a danger to society. While it may be the truth for some, the majority of people suffering from mental illness have been victims of violence, not perpetrators. Claiming that all people suffering from mental illness are violent—is a myth.
Bottom line: people diagnosed with mental illness have every right and ability to contribute greatness to this world. They are not “crazy” or deserving to live in a “nut house” for the rest of their lives because of a diagnosis code—-they are simply people trying to survive in this world with extra cards (emotions, voices, symptoms, etc.,) stacked against them. The last thing people with mental illness need is a “peanut gallery” determining what they can and cannot do. Imagine if Robin Williams was told his depth of sadness disqualified him from bringing joy and laughter to others? For me, that is a chilling thought…
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” —Robin Williams
Research shows people who suffer from depression can tend to be more creative than the norm. If you have heightened creativity—-USE IT and use it YOUR WAY! And if you know someone who can see the world from a unique lens, encourage them to find a way to make their gift enlighten those around them. Success does not have to look the same for everyone. Olympics and Special Olympics are two different events, yet both exemplify greatness and success in their own right.
How can we stop stigma?
Instead of stigmatizing others, we should be focusing our efforts on celebrating the differences that make this world so versatile and unique. We can hand out more gold medals when we find opportunities to make more people succeed. For this world to continue moving, we need to move with it—and that means making inclusive efforts for everyone in it.
