What is Self-Stigmatization?

As discussed in How Friends and Family Can Prevent Disability Stigmatization, stigma can include stereotyping, discrimination, and prejudice. When we experience these things, it can sometimes be hard to ignore them, which can lead us to internalize the stigma within ourselves. Often self-stigma can lead to feelings of guilt or shame about who we are. However, there are several ways you can try to challenge self-stigma. Pay attention to the people in your life who support you, and spend less time with those who make you feel negatively towards yourself or your disability. Try to pay more attention to the things you value about yourself, and remind yourself of them when you feel down. When you notice yourself feeling negatively, remind yourself of these positive aspects of yourself. Remind yourself that any negativity you may feel towards yourself is something you can change. While others may remain ignorant about your disability, it is entirely within your control to change how you feel about yourself. 

Nadine Ferris is a social entrepreneur, writer, and activist from Ireland who studies the effects of shame and self-stigma. She has worked in over 30 countries all over the world, and found self-stigma in people everywhere. She explains the negative effects that self-stigma can have on our health, well-being, and quality of life. In order to reduce this stigma, she explains the four questions she has come up with that can help turn your thoughts around, and ultimately increase your self-esteem. Watch her full TED talk "The Journey from Self-stigma to Self-worth" to learn about moving past self-stigma and towards self-worth.