Stigmatizing Labels - How Do They Affect You?

[wildcritter44]

Each group of peoples have an idea of what is considered PC or not.
Example the deaf community generally does NOT like to be referred to in any way as being "handicapped." They are considered "deaf" or "hard of hearing."
I think I understand what you are saying; however, people being what we are, and the many differences of educations, morals, local traditions, etc may very well be how we "perceive" things. If a person is in a wheelchair or doesn't have one arm, it's rather obvious that something is not what others would perceive as "normal" but in the case of some one "acting crazy" or "being very different" from what is "deamed normal" is what we have learned in our life's experience and/or education.
I guess I see it (IMO) as a word play. Most persons feel it is a Larger or Worse stigma dealing with anything mental health wise. It's because we can't "see what is wrong" like we can with a person that is missing a limb etc.

It also seems that it makes us appear weak or unable to be allowed to live normally with other people. No one wants to wear a sign saying they are in any way anything but "normal."

"Normal" IS just a word, its different for different situations.

I don't know if any of this make any sense, so I will shut up now....

hugs to all:Hug_emoticon:

Donna

 

[upstream]

I posted this a few months back, but I this is probably a good place to re-iterate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRCjbErea0w

It is a video about stigma, among other things. I made it last summer after graduating.

 

[divadeluxe]

"They Think I'm Crazy"

I am a 36 year old female, and for most of my entire life I have been labeled as "crazy". Not from things that I have done, but for whatever reason. I am antisocial, so maybe that's the factor (that I keep to myself). But for whatever reason, I have carried this label around on me all my life. I have never been to a psychiatrist or a mental institution. I have been holding down the same job for the past 11 years with no problem. I work, shop, live, pay my bills, and do all the things that "normal" people do. (GO FIGURE) My problem is that I am from a small town, and once you are labeled or stigmatized, your reputation gets to new acquaintances before they can judge you for themselves, and they go along with the stigma. I love to read, and research, and because I am living with this problem, I have come to find what I knew all along about mental health is that it is a brain disorder, and it is not the person's fault if they are mentally ill, it's a condition just as diabetes or cancer, and that people's ignorance and misinformation about such is why society is so messed up the way it is. And, it's amazing that Gnarls Barkley had to come out with a hit song "Crazy" for people to even take notice of this subject, and to realize that if a person is "Crazy" then so what, it's not a bad thing. He said in the song that he may be crazy "Probably". It bedazzles me that all of these people that have labeled both myself, and others this way won't educate themselves as to the word that they use, and try to define the reason behind the label that they are dispersing, but will jam the tune to a song, and will actually listen to the message in the song to hear the meaning. AMAZING. But for all others out there like myself, keep your head up, live life by doing things that you are supposed to do, and you will make all of the people look like they are "ignorant". And also, if you live in a small community, you can move to another state, or anywhere in the country you want, and start a new life. You don't have to die carrying this label. It has been a long, hard thing for me because people have called me "crazy" to my face, have referred to me as "crazy" in front of others with me within earshot. It had brought my self-esteem down, and for a while, I was depressed, but I have held on to the same job where all of this has and is taking place, and I am going to keep on living my life the way God wants me to, and doing what I am supposed to do, and soon, (I am getting my finances in order) plan on moving elsewhere and start a new life. My last words for people in this same situation is Live,and Overcome, don't Become what people say you are, But Become
Who You want to be.

 

[Tinyflame]

Does anyone feel like they are "treated differently" after revealing any information about themselves/ptsd?
Ifeel like saying, "I'm still the same person I was before I told you this!"

Somehow I think that my "opinion" wouldn't hold much validity after that.

Just wondering if that's a pretty typical reaction? I can see it from strangers/acquaintances, but what about when they know you much better- that was my experience.

 

[midi]

i think the intent (as other people have noted) is crucial in whether we dis/agree on such explosive terms. to me, 'crazy' is just as dangerous as the 'N' word, or the 'C' word. when people use these lables with a negative purpose, they are trying to control others or excert power. say a guy you work with just called you crazy--but hey, it's ok, because he was getting a little frustrated with you is all. is it really acceptable?

growing up in an extreme redneck french canadian/native town, i've spent a lifetime being called 'crazy,' 'neurotic,' 'paranoid,' 'hysterical,' and even 'satan.' most of the time, the people calling me 'crazy' were abusive boyfriends or controlling parents who were frustrated because i refused to keep my mouth shut about abuses or issues they wanted to keep behind closed doors.

until i realized that people were trying to force me to conform to their expectations, i really and truly believed that i was insane. i went a whole lifetime (until i left my ex just over 3 years ago) honestly believing i was insane! all just because they couldn't tolerate and accept me for who i was. how sad is that? yet i too am guilty of calling other people names when i can't control them! names like 'idiot' and 'asshole' and 'reject' come to mind. it's horrible and i have no excuse--but at least now, i know i'm not crazy, and i actively look for other approaches in dealing with my lack of control over my environment.

junebug: ...i'm scared to death of telling people i have ptsd - while it explains a lot and it's the starting point to finding help and healing, the majority of people out there have their own pre-conceived judgments. that includes friends who still insist that if i just settled down and got a permanent job, hey, all the issues would wash away! i think that there are people who are scared of their own issues and if you are honest, it scares them even more, so they need to dismiss you by discrediting you. it hurts, but they've got their own dysfunctional coping mechanisms too...

 

[Tinyflame]

Thanks midi.

I feel identical, was my first attempt to say anything, naturally wish I hadn't.

I have not had your situation but have had 25 years of this, and have "facade/mask" perfected to such a degree friends think I "don't have the capacity to get depressed" (2 suicide attempts later, ha). Just goes to show you how arse-backward sometimes peoples' judgements/apearances are.

I am glad you are so strong (and kind). :smile:
Thanks again.

 

[TLight]

Midi,
You are right on. People all have their dysfunctional coping mechanisms and issues. We have a brain injury, a physical malfunction. It is not an 'issue.' I've had 'friends' say if I just go for walks, work fulltime, etc etc.......I'll be fine. Sorry, doesn't work that way and if they can't accept that..........it's because of their own issues and I get them out of my life quickly.
I think if and when we do decide to share with someone our condition, it is our obligation to explain the facts to them, as I have done with several trusted friends about my disorder.

I've written a book, which some of my friends have read. It helps them to understand that mental illness has nothing to do with character, strength or weakness. I believe they truly understand this and this, for me, is empowering in the sense that I've removed the stigma from a couple of people on the planet. Compassion is what will help to heal us, and them.

In conclusion; I've found myself stigmatizing myself throughout the first few years of my therapy. I've gotten over this and will never abuse myself like that again. It only serves to damage me more. Nor will I allow anyone in my life who holds these views. I think this is what we can do in our little corners of the world to initiate change.

ps. I agree with the derogitory word thing. 'Crazy' should be reserved for people who are truly ignorant and hurt others with their selfishness and greed and perversion. They are truly the ones who need to pray for help from something larger than themselves, for I truly believe in karma.