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IN THE RING OF LIFE: STIGMA STINGS, LET’S STOP IT!

The Cambridge Online Dictionary defines Stigmatisation as the act of treating someone or something unfairly by publicly disapproving of them or it and Merriam Webster explains the verb stigmatize as to describe or regard (something, such as a characteristic or group of people) in a way that shows strong disapproval.

The issue of stigmatisation is an age long situation that exists in many societies. Ghana is no exception. Stigmatisation is a big challenge which almost always leaves the individual or persons involved in a state of misery, self-pity as well as other psychological or emotional distress. In simple terms, it places the individual or group at the receiving end in a negative and uncomfortable position.

Often, individuals who are facing peculiar health conditions such as mental health conditions, brain disorders, psychomotor disorders, skin conditions and other "uncommon" disorders are usually met with immense stigma by the general populace. The high level of unacceptance causes caregivers, guardians and family members of such individuals to live in an endless state of sadness.

The stern gazes, hurtful comments, misconstrued assumptions and unpalatable meanings usually attributed to such conditions tend to imply that the individual and by extension the family of such victims are to be blamed or held responsible for their condition. Some people even attribute it to being cursed or as a punishment for sin. This is quite disturbing and unfortunate.

Stigma does not take anything away from the individual who expresses disapproval, disdain or disgust towards the sick or victim but it takes everything from the victim. Although most of such persons may be oblivious to the disapproving remarks or expressions by others due to their condition, caregivers or guardians are left to soak in the aftermath of such unsavory acts.

While the list may be inexhaustible, I propose some few reasons why we need to be measured when making allusions to any condition of an individual;

  • To live with an incurable medical condition for a lifetime is a difficult reality, stigma only makes the burden heavier.
  • Offering care to individuals who have special needs is financially, emotionally, mentally, psychologically and socially exhausting to their family members and caregivers.

  • No individual determines or decides to be born differently-abled or with special needs.
  • Often the unpleasant remarks and probing questions have no basis and do not aim at providing a solution.
  • Stigmatisation does not only demean the individual but it places undue pressures on the immediate family and caregivers.
  • Every individual including those specially-abled are unique and possess special abilities that ought to be respected and appreciated.
  • Disability is not a crime thus such individuals need be treated with the highest sense of dignity and self-worth.
  • When we do not have detailed information about the actual cause of the condition, there is no need to probe or draw wrong conclusions.
  • Most caregivers offer their best support and ought to be applauded and not stigmatised against.
  • Stigma causes the victim and family to prefer “hiding” than seeking appropriate medical care or other interventions to alleviate the pain.
  • Differently-abled individuals ought to be treated with love, care and compassion.
  • Most families would have exhausted all feasible avenues for treatment and likely cure; any assumption in a different light is offensive and ought to be avoided.
  • Every family has at least one member with a peculiar health condition. Therefore, rather than isolating from such families, there is a need to give room for them to equally be integrated into society without shame.
  • Living with a health condition in itself is challenging and burdening to the individual, the caregivers and immediate family members thus, it is very important to be sensitive to them and offer support over stigma.
Before you set out to stigmatise against anyone with a peculiar condition, try to envisage how you would feel if the tables have turned and you were placed at the receiving end of the situation. Unpleasant thought right? Well, do not give what you would not be pleased to receive.

The break in stigma starts with us all, one person at a time. Still, if you cannot be kind, politely, look away… Please!

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