How can I help my mother to overcome stigma?
Oct 12, 2008
STIGMA, which can be defined as a sign of shame or disgrace usually associated with flawed behaviour, is indeed a great hindrance to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Face HIV with Dr Watiti
Dear Doctor,
What do you think is the best way to help somebody overcome stigma?
I have noticed that my mother is finding it hard to adhere to taking her drugs because she does not want people to know she is on ARVs.
Sarah
Dear Sarah,
STIGMA, which can be defined as a sign of shame or disgrace usually associated with flawed behaviour, is indeed a great hindrance to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Your mother could be having self stigma also known as internal or felt stigma, which is the way a person living with HIV feels about themselves especially if they feel a sense of shame about being HIV positive.
It makes them lose their self-esteem, have a sense of worthlessness and may lead to depression. Such people may refuse to eat or even seek medical care and may eventually die as a result.
I think the greatest weapon we have against HIV related stigma is correct information about HIV being given consistently.
The more people know about HIV: its modes of transmission, how it affects the body and what can be done about the condition; the less stigmatised they will feel.
People often have self-stigma because they fear being discriminated against by others.
So, we need to target not only those with HIV with information but also the whole community because if we don’t, stigma will drive the HIV epidemic underground and create conditions favourable for its spread.
Dear Doctor,
What do you think is the best way to help somebody overcome stigma?
I have noticed that my mother is finding it hard to adhere to taking her drugs because she does not want people to know she is on ARVs.
Sarah
Dear Sarah,
STIGMA, which can be defined as a sign of shame or disgrace usually associated with flawed behaviour, is indeed a great hindrance to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Your mother could be having self stigma also known as internal or felt stigma, which is the way a person living with HIV feels about themselves especially if they feel a sense of shame about being HIV positive.
It makes them lose their self-esteem, have a sense of worthlessness and may lead to depression. Such people may refuse to eat or even seek medical care and may eventually die as a result.
I think the greatest weapon we have against HIV related stigma is correct information about HIV being given consistently.
The more people know about HIV: its modes of transmission, how it affects the body and what can be done about the condition; the less stigmatised they will feel.
People often have self-stigma because they fear being discriminated against by others.
So, we need to target not only those with HIV with information but also the whole community because if we don’t, stigma will drive the HIV epidemic underground and create conditions favourable for its spread.