You have probably heard the saying that "stigmas are in your mind." This is true because stigmas come from within ourselves, rather than being imposed upon us by others.
Sometimes it can be hard to separate what is real and what is not. It's easy to become discouraged and lose confidence when dealing with internalized stigma. Fortunately, there are some ways you can fight against this negative force without sacrificing your sense of self-worth. Here are some tips for combating internalized stigma and maintaining self-esteem:
1) Recognize the issue. The most important step to fighting any problem is recognizing it. If you feel like you're struggling with internalized stigma, take note of those feelings and try to identify where they stem from. Are you comparing yourself to others? Have you been told certain things about yourself that make you feel bad? What kinds of experiences do these comparisons lead to? Identifying the source of your negative thoughts can help you pinpoint exactly what needs to change in order for you to move forward.
2) Challenge your beliefs. Once you recognize the issue, start challenging the negative thoughts in your head. Ask yourself questions such as "Is this really true?" or "What evidence do I have that supports this idea?" By questioning your own beliefs, you may find that many of them are based on faulty logic or false information. It's also helpful to remind yourself that everyone is unique and has different strengths and weaknesses; no one is perfect!
3) Surround yourself with positive influences. Finding supportive people who accept you for who you are can be incredibly helpful in battling internalized stigma. Whether through family members, friends, or online communities, connecting with people who value individuality and self-acceptance will give you a boost when times get tough.
Avoid spending time around people who constantly put down others or make negative comments about their appearances/personalities. These types of interactions only reinforce negative stereotypes and could contribute to increased self-doubt.
4) Practice self-care. Taking care of your physical and mental health is vital when trying to combat internalized stigma. Make sure to eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep every night.
Engage in activities that bring you joy – whether it be painting, dancing, reading books, playing video games, or anything else! Doing things that bring us pleasure helps rejuvenate our minds and bodies while also providing an escape from negative thinking patterns.
5) Be mindful of language. The words we use affect how we view ourselves and the world around us. Try not to label yourself with terms like "crazy" or "stupid" but instead opt for more empowering phrases such as "learning" or "growing". Language plays a major role in shaping our thoughts and beliefs - so choose carefully what words best describe you and your experiences.
6) Educate yourself on relevant issues. Read articles, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, etc., on topics related to identity politics and social justice movements. This will help broaden your perspective and provide insight into why certain beliefs may exist within society. You might even find new sources of inspiration along the way!
7) Embrace vulnerability. We all experience setbacks at some point during life; embrace them as opportunities for growth instead of letting them define who we are. Remember that no one has everything figured out – even those people who seem confident and secure. Vulnerability allows us to connect with others on a deeper level by sharing stories and experiences that help us relate more deeply with each other. It's also important to remember that everyone makes mistakes sometimes and can learn from them. Accepting imperfections is key when combating internalized stigma because it shows you're human just like anyone else!
How do you combat internalized stigma and maintain self-esteem?
The concept of internalized stigma is when an individual holds negative beliefs about themselves due to their membership in a particular group. It can be related to race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other social identities. Maintaining self-esteem while experiencing internalized stigma can be challenging but there are ways to manage it.