What is Stigma? (Teen's Perspective) #ProudToBeASocialMisfit Series
Welcome to our new Brain XP Series for all of May (Mental Health Awareness Month)! This series is called #ProudToBeASocialMisfit. Our new series is focused on growing as unique individuals, so that we can find pride in being ourselves. We might not fit in with society, but we are proud to be who we are. Throughout this series, we will be acknowledging our differences, and we will be spreading teen mental health awareness. This is our time to use our voices to speak up on topics including stigma, bullying, and societal standards. We are young, but our voices can still be heard!
Throughout this series, there will be several challenges and a TON of amazing content that you do not want to miss! All of the #ProudToBeASocialMisfit content will be taking place on my YouTube Channel (Christine XP) which you can find by clicking here. However, all of YOUR participation will be taking place on Instagram. SO be sure to use our hashtag #ProudToBeASocialMisfit & tag @brainxpproject in all of your Instagram posts! Keep reading to find out how you can participate in the #ProudToBeASocialMisfit series! :)
Here are the topics in the #ProudToBeASocialMisfit series for all of May: Week 1: Stigma Week 2: A Message to Our Bullies Week 3: Power of Different Week 4: Home of Misfits
Each week, there will be a new Instagram challenge! Each challenge will reflect the topic of the week. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel because I will be posting a new video each week on Tuesday where I will announce the Instagram Challenge of the week. AND be sure to follow @brainxpproject on Instagram for daily updates!
In the meantime, let’s get started with our first week, which is focused on stigma!
Today, I have a very special free guide on 5 Ways that YOU Can Stop Stigma in YOUR Community! Be sure to read all the way to the end of this blog to receive that free guide. :)
AND remember to read to the end of this blog to find this week’s video that introduces our challenge of the week!
NOW I said that this week is focused on stigma...so I will cut to the chase and give you my thoughts about stigma as a teenager who has been stigmatized in the past and is still stigmatized to this day.
I want to start with a very brief story about a time I was stigmatized by a classmate when I was in 8th grade. When I was 13 years old, I enrolled in a brand new school in the middle of my eighth grade year. Shortly after I started going to this school, one of my new classmates found out that I have a bipolar disorder diagnosis. The girl approached me at school and asked me about my diagnosis. I confirmed that I have a bipolar disorder diagnosis, and when I confirmed it, the first thing she did was take a huge step back. She physically distanced herself from me and then walked away.
Her lack of understanding did not necessarily surprise me because I had been stigmatized before. However, the majority of the stigma I had faced prior to that experience at the new school was initiated by adults. To this day, I still don’t know if the stigma from the adults hurt worse or if the stigma from my peers hurt worse.
At the end of the day, stigma comes from a place of ignorance and fear, and because of my experiences, I am determined to bring more knowledge and understanding into our world. Knowledge combats ignorance, and understanding combats fear.
With that being said, stigmatizing someone is equivalent to placing a mark of disgrace on a person. It is a mark that is often placed without context. Placing people into categories and stereotyping people can both be forms of stigma. Using offensive language can be a form of stigma. Spreading rumors and gossiping can be forms of stigma as well.
Being stigmatized leaves a painful, numbing feeling. I have faced stigma not only from others, but also from myself and my inner demons. It is hard enough to be a 13 year old learning how to cope with a lifelong illness while going to school at the same time. I did not need the battles of stigma on top of everything I was managing, and neither does anyone else in this world.
I want to send the message that stopping the stigma is necessary. Mental health is just as important as physical health. When I broke my ankle in 5th grade, my friends rallied around me. They wanted to sign my cast and help walk me to my classes. Why can’t we rally around someone who is suffering from anxiety, depression, or any other mental health challenge? We need support too, and I will continue to advocate for my fellow teenagers who do not get support and receive stigma instead.
To read more about my personal experiences with mental health challenges, I wrote my entire story in the form of an autobiographical book. You can find it by clicking here. :) Please remember to get your free guide below, and remember to watch the video below as well to get the information about this week’s challenge!
To wrap this blog up, I would like to say thank you for reading. We have powerful voices. Let’s use them in the right ways. Stopping the stigma is possible, but I cannot do it alone. I am on a journey of hope and change. Join me!
