Being given a label in a social context can have real implications on mental health. Not only is this diminishing to your self-worth, but it doesn’t allow for proper exploration of the self.
Stigma is often driven by fear of the “other”, and people are misinformed, ignorant, and not willing to learn more about another individual. Instead, they act with damaging consequences like hatred and discrimination.
Advice on How to Handle Stigmatization
The way in which you speak about your experiences can influence the opinions of others. Educating others and speaking openly about your situation, without the use of negative language and labels, helps give others a more open mind. More often than not, people use stereotypes, labels, and stigma because of unawareness, so you can play a role in helping to advocate for yourself.
Being selective with your interactions and surrounding yourself with people who will accept you with an open mind, free of labels, is sometimes the best way to feel protected. Knowing when to disengage from an unfortunate situation when someone makes you feel lesser is an important skill to socialization, as you should never have to compromise your mental health for a social relationship. Be faithful to your identity and do not allow someone’s opinion to intrude on your self-worth.
Gain your self-confidence. If other people are not supplying you with the feedback that makes you feel good, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands and do this for yourself. Hopefully, once people see how amazing you truly are, they will be able to drop the labels and appreciate you for who you are.
References
https://doi.org/10.2307/2136810
http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep35034.5
BH-0068