Stigma and Taboo

Stigma and taboo are often the hidden causes of the issues that many clients bring to therapy. The consequences of stigma and taboo are profound, impacting everyone's mental health, well-being, and sense of belonging. 

Stigma, an insidious societal force, encompasses negative perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes directed at individuals or groups based on certain traits, behaviours, or identities. It permeates various aspects of life, and leads to ongoing exclusion, discrimination, and marginalisation. 

Stigmatised individuals may internalise negative beliefs about themselves, leading to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and low self-esteem. Moreover, stigma can result in social isolation, economic hardship, and limited access to essential services. Stigma exacerbates health disparities and perpetuates cycles of inequality. As a therapist and social activist, I work to challenge taboos, as a way to address the root causes of stigma. 

Taboos are established through cultural narratives, religious doctrines, and social mores that shape perceptions of what is deemed appropriate or acceptable within a given society. For example, emotional pain and mental illness has long been shrouded in taboo, with historical beliefs associating it with moral weakness, personality flaws, or malignant influences. Similarly, discussions surrounding sexuality, particularly topics such as sex work, LGBTQ+ identities, and reproductive health, are often steeped in taboo due to entrenched societal norms and religious doctrines that stigmatise non-normative behaviors or identities. Taboos exist as deeply ingrained norms and unconscious biases that dictate our worth and belonging as human beings.

Taboos are reinforced through various mechanisms in the media, institutions and interpersonal communication. Media portrayals often sensationalise certain groups or behaviours, generating harmful stereotypes and misconceptions. Institutional practices and discriminatory policies may deny access to resources. Such politically marginalised people may be considered inferior or undesirable. Interpersonal interactions can also be divisive and perpetuate stigma through microaggressions, prejudice, and discrimination, which cumulatively add up to create widespread barriers to social acceptance and inclusion, for the individual.

We all often face pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, and many of us encounter feelings of shame and alienation as part of everyday living. Embracing difference requires courage and self-acceptance, as we learn to love who we are and share our experiences without shame. Fear of rejection may drive us to hide our true selves and keep parts of our lives a secret. This fear can lead to disconnection, isolation and a deep sense of loneliness that keeps us stuck in feelings of shame and unworthiness. 

Overcoming the fear of rejection requires building supportive relationships. It's empowering work to unburden yourself from the unconscious, emotional baggage placed on us by stigma and taboo. Self-acceptance eventually brings a more positive self-image. If you need some support, please reach out. You are welcome here.


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