Humans have recently realized that "different" isn't infectious.This has not become common sense.Whether the difference is from contact with poison or disease, possession of demons, magic, or evil, mankind'sIgnorance has traditionally recommended to stay away.Many people's beliefs have yet to catch up with their compassion, despite the fact that these deeply ingrained prejudices are slow to change.Stigma is something you're fighting off every day.Learn about the amazing individual you are and help others learn about you as well.
Step 1: You are not a stigma.
Did you brush your teeth when you woke up?Did you cook dinner last night?Do your family and friends like you or not?They're not two things at all.People see you as a person when they look at you.You should see yourself as well when you look at yourself.
Step 2: Define your identity in your own way.
Identity positions are not static.Regardless of how we are treated by others, we all have some degree of freedom in positioning ourselves as one type of identity or another.Take some time to identify what you enjoy doing.List your positive qualities.Your mannerisms, behaviors, and beliefs can be included.You can make a list of your characteristics.You could write, "I usually shy away from confrontation and I cave in too easily to other people's demands."If you don't want to cave in to other people's demands, then you might take an assertiveness training workshop.These steps will help you conceive of yourself in a way that doesn't put your stigma in the forefront.
Step 3: Don't focus on one aspect of you.
Stigma is a part of who you are, but it doesn't define you as a person.People in wheelchairs can go skydiving.People who are hard of hearing can still talk.They can live fulfilling lives even though they have to learn a different way of doing things.Whether the reasons for your stigma are visible or not, this is doable.Being in a wheelchair or blind is a visible set of conditions.An issue that doesn't draw attention is HIV, for example.You still exist.You can hog the spotlight with your sense of humor, wit, smile and other aspects.It's a good idea to practice the activities you excel at.It will help other people see you in a different light.
Step 4: Positive mental reminders are good.
It can seem difficult to manage your stigma.It can be helpful to have a mental reminder that will help you focus on the present.Imagine a place that makes you happy.Not everyone is ignorant about your stigma.The people in your life are supportive.If your thoughts are mostly negative or positive, pay attention.It will be harder for people around you to accept who you are if you can't.
Step 5: Have faith in your abilities.
There's nothing you can't do because of a disability.Try new things.You can find a wheelchair basketball league if you have physical trouble playing basketball.It's good to have a positive attitude and try new things.
Step 6: Tell what you want to tell.
There are laws in the U.S. that prevent you from being required to reveal your sexual orientation at work or school.If you don't want to reveal anything because of a hidden disability, you should not feel like you have to.If you are applying for a job, you don't need to reveal any disability or stigma.Your information is required to be treated respectfully if you choose to do so.
Step 7: Discuss visible stigmas with family and friends.
It is possible to talk with people in your life about your visible stigmas.There are visible stigmas such as being in a wheelchair or blind.Strategies that relate to managing the conversation about the stigma are required.You can facilitate a discussion in this way.To become more comfortable talking about such issues in your preferred manner, start with people closest to you.If you want to talk to people about the stigma, you should have some experience with some of the questions people may ask.Don't feel pressured to talk about it.It is up to you and you alone to make the decision.Talking about visible stigma can be difficult.Social awkwardness can accompany another person's prejudice.
Step 8: Decide how much you want the public to know.
When you experience stigma around something invisible, such as sexual orientation or a non-visible health condition, think about how you want to talk with other people.Managing invisible stigma is an ongoing process.It is best for stigmatized people to experiment with different ways of talking about their unique conditions in order to find a comfortable zone of personal disclosure with others.
Step 9: Talk about invisible stigma with someone and think about your goals.
Consider what you hope to achieve when you talk about how much you want to share with someone else.Do you want the other person to stop talking about depression?Do you want the other person to know more about gay people?
Step 10: Do you want to share your personal information?
When you consider your goals and how much information you want to share, think about how you might actually share.In order to achieve these goals, experiment with different communication techniques.Your goal is to inform another person of your stigmatized situation.You want to avoid any negative consequences from such a disclosure.The details of the situation can be described in an email or letter.A minimal amount of psychological stress can be produced by sharing information.
Step 11: Make others aware of your identity.
Statistics can be thrown out in a sticky situation.If someone you know spouts off about how depression isn't real, let them know that depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15 to 44.People with mood disorders might have a lower suicide rate.
Step 12: Ask your friends for help.
Asking for help is a way to make others feel comfortable around you.The stigma will be alleviated by this.It is usually the other person's comfort that is the issue.The other person might not know how to act.He doesn't know what to say or do.He can exhale a sigh of relief when you give him the go-ahead.You thought you were the only one feeling it.If you're in a wheelchair, it's a good idea to ask the other person to open the door.If you're not sure if your text message is spelled correctly, ask the other person.The tactics will break the ice in a normal conversation.
Step 13: The subject should be opened up.
Asking for help can open up the subject, but not every identity position needs help from others.Practice opening the subject up.Say something like, "You're probably wondering how I lost my leg/got a stutter/knew I was gay."Most people do.Since most people are naturally curious, this lets the other person know that he can ask questions.Some stigmatized individuals use jokes to break the ice in such situations, as well as to gauge the degree of sensitivity the other person has to their unique conditions.Even if the person across from you had a negative perception of you, talking directly, warmly and openly is a great way to reduce awkwardness.
Step 14: The "support others" technique is used.
A person who understands that others may feel uncomfortable because they don't understand the issue or how to act around it is involved in this technique.The technique leads both parties to feel comfortable.Don't assume the other person is judging you when using this technique.It's possible that this person isn't aware of your stigma.You should be open about the subject.The other person will benefit from the doubt.If a person is unsure how to act around you because you're in a wheelchair, give them some suggestions on how they can help you.
Step 15: Theavoidant andcomfort zone techniques should not be used.
People dealing with stigma use two general techniques that you should avoid.The "avoidant" and "comfort zone" techniques can be harmful.The technique is avoidant.The stigmatized person is avoidant.He avoids people who don't know about his unique conditions.It is done to avoid awkwardness.New connections are hard to make and this person ends up lonely.The technique of comfort zone.The stigmatized person stays in one place all the time.He is comfortable with people he knows will approve of him.He doesn't have new experiences because of this.Rejection is too frightening.
Step 16: People need help understanding your stigma.
Some people's reactions to you are not out of hate.A lack of understanding is what it is.It's hard to remember that other people are fighting a battle.It is easy to write off a person as ignorant, mean, or dumb.Most people you're dealing with don't know what to say or do, so take a step back and realize that.They are likely to feel uncomfortable as a result.Most people mean well, but they don't know how to behave.Many of them choose to exit gracefully when they are at a loss.It's difficult to not take it personally.The only thing you can do is support others.
Step 17: Practice using humor.
It is possible to alleviate some of the stigma by making jokes.The more you practice, the easier and more comfortable it will become.If you can sense that someone is a little on edge or wants to broach the topic, relieve them of their troubles and do it for them.To show them that it's okay, poke fun of yourself.I am too gay to carry this suitcase.Is it possible that you could do it for me?Go to the cafeteria line and shout "Here comes meals on wheels!"This can break the tension.
Step 18: Don't feel like you have to think about the topic.
You'll get a good feel for how much the person wants to know if you've opened up the topic.Some people know when it started and what it's like, while others want to know more.Change the topic when the questions slow down.You have a lot of other things to talk about.The person will realize that they are a multi-dimensional person if they talk about many things.It will show her that the issue doesn't need to be talked about because it's not the elephant in the room.It's not a big deal and you two can talk about it.The other person has hobbies and interests.She needs the spotlight as well.It's fine if you don't feel comfortable talking about everything.Don't feel like you have to talk about something.You will learn how to tell people you don't want to discuss it if you cultivate boundaries around these topics.People will respect your wishes.
Step 19: There are people who aren't okay with your stigma.
Some people are not okay talking about difficult topics such as social stigma and marginalized groups.If you've been dealing with stigmatized social conditions for a while, you know who those people are.It's probably best that these people don't waste their energy.Be sure to surround yourself with people who are more tolerant and self-assured when you interact with them.
Step 20: Let go of the things you can't control.
No matter what, some people are going to judge you unfairly.When you realize that you have no control over their feelings, you can no longer feel responsible for them.Accept the things you have control over and let go of what you don't.
Step 21: If you have to, walk away.
There are a lot of people in this world who are full of hate and fear.If you end up dealing with one of these miserable people, you should walk away.There is no need to stoop to their level.You are better than that.As you walk away, remind yourself that this person is very vulnerable.He projects his dislike of himself onto others.It is unlikely that he will be comfortable with anyone else.
Step 22: Try mental health therapy.
People should not fight their battles alone.If you feel stigmatized, you have to deal with the world on top of it.It can be very heavy on your shoulders.Start therapy because of this.Millions of people are helped every year.The American Psychological Association has a Psychologist Locator that you can use to find a mental health counselor.Ask friends or family for referrals.
Step 23: Join a support group.
If therapy isn't something you want to do, join a support group.A network of sympathetic individuals can have the same effect as therapy.You will have a platform to discuss your issues with others.You will be supported by those around you.You might be able to give others strength as well.
Step 24: Get help if you have related conditions.
If you feel stigmatized, seek help for your problems.Some people could benefit from guidance on how to best handle social pressures, as many stigmatized conditions don't necessarily need treatment.It's not because the condition is bad.It will make your life easier.These are difficult problems to deal with.If the stress associated with them can be alleviated, why not?If you're obese, you should consider a weight management program.You can work with a learning specialist if you're dyslexic.Some advice on how to make your path easier can be given by the professionals you work with.They also deal with this every day.
Step 25: Try to reduce stress.
The calming techniques of meditation, yoga, and deep breathing have been shown to help people deal with stigma.The stigma doesn't get to you as much when you're calm and relaxed.If you want to clear your mind, find a nice, relaxing place.It could be the beginning of the inner peace you are looking for.
Step 26: You can learn how identity positions relate to social categories.
Identity positions are a way to think about stigma and social categories.Linguists, psychologists, and sociologists use this concept to represent our identities.These can be positioned against each other.Identity is used to organize people and structure how we think about them.Kevin Barry, a law professor, says that there are some identity positions.inability.mild vs. limited.It was severe."normal vs." is how we fit into the world.It is abnormal."Independence vs. how free we are."dependenceHow healthy are we?Sickness.Some of the binaries can be associated with being gay or blind.People are sometimes seen as being less than others if they don't have these identities.
Step 27: Arm yourself with knowledge.
Stigma is a way in which your identity is shaped.You should learn as much as you can about your identity.You will feel less isolated after that.22% of American adults suffer from a mental health condition.Only half of them report it.Almost one in three children and teens in the US are considered to be overweight or obese.Learning about what you're dealing with can make you feel less alone.Seeing that millions of other people have to deal with the same thing can help you see how doable this is.Resources and inspiring stories will likely accompany your quest for knowledge.
Step 28: Understand the legal rights of everyone.
People have certain rights to ensure that they are treated fairly.You may be protected by certain rights even if you have a disability.Constitutional rights include freedom of religion, expression, assembly and so on.
Step 29: Understand the legal definition of disability.
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 in order to give people with disabilities the same opportunities and services as everyone else.State and local government services include assistance programs, public accommodations, access to commercial facilities, and everyday transportation options.In 2010 a list of standards were added to the ADA to address building accessibility problems in already constructed buildings and to ensure the access to buildings constructed in the future.A record of a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities is considered to be an impairment.You may have legal protections against discrimination if you fit this definition.
Step 30: You know your rights.
Discrimination against stigmatized people happens a lot.You may have legal protections.You can fight back if anyone takes advantage of you.The Americans with Disabilities Act protects all disabled people.If you feel like you didn't get the job, were taken advantage of by your landlord, or have faced discrimination due to the stigma, consider taking legal action.On your side are health, medical, housing, workplace, and general human rights.If your rights have been violated, be sure to consider the pros and cons of pursuing legal action.If the discrimination was not consequential to your future goals, you should ignore it in order to avoid the time and hassle associated with a legal battle.If you choose, you have the right to do so.
Step 31: You should get involved.
If you live in an urban area, chances are there are support groups that you can join.They can either be a support group or a group of friends celebrating who they are.Find a community that you can relate to.They'll strengthen you.It may open more doors.It's one hundred times easier to deal with stigma if you have a strong support group around you.Having a great network of family and friends is great, but having a group of people that have been there will be even better.Each day can be made much brighter by the advice and resources you have.
Step 32: Don't be isolated.
You can pretend to be normal by shutting down your differences.It's not hard to stay at home and say, "I'm not going to deal with this today."Resist!You can control the perception that some people have about you if you get out there and make connections.
Step 33: There is an angle to raise awareness.
It might be a large topic, but your stigma feels very specific to you.There are a number of ways in which stigma around sexual orientation can manifest.Same-sex parents may not be able to adopt children.Gay men can not donate blood.Make a positive change and raise awareness by focusing on one angle.List your support group to be involved with this cause.
Step 34: You should tell your story.
It is possible that others need to hear your story.If people learn, they can go away from ignorantness.If you share your story, the world will be a better place.Give talks, write a book, or start a blog.If you do something, the world will see that it's old and ridiculous.It's a good idea to make your stigmatized conditions something that people already know about.The only way to get used to your unique conditions is to put them in the public eye.You aren't fighting religion or science.You are fighting time.Your "conditions," or your "disability," isn't even something to bat an eye at if you start sooner.In that way, we're all the same.
Step 35: Get in touch with your Congressperson to ask for government support.
If you identify an angle for raising awareness, you can ask for changes in policy.
Step 36: It's a good idea to organize a fundraiser.
You can use your energy to raise money.If you have an illness that results in stigma, such as HIV, you can use it to raise money for research.You can spread the word about your event by talking to your local newspaper or TV station.
Step 37: Help them be strong.
Race, gender, religion, sexual preference, ethnic ancestry, and mental illness are just some of the reasons why people all over the world are treated the same.People are fighting.It may be just as hard as yours.Make their battle easier by using your strength.
Step 38: Support the stories of other people.
Support someone who is stigmatized.Make sure he knows that he is not alone.He is missing an arm, so talk about how he is a great chef.