CW: Body Stigma
Well, body stigma is considered as any mark on your body that involves social disapproval. They can be of various types like any inflammatory disease such as Psoriasis, birthmarks, genetic disorders, or any accidental bruises. Usually, body stigma is considered to be an issue for a society that makes the person start feeling negative body image oneself.
Close to home
This situation is closely related to my mom who has been at a severe stage of Psoriasis for the past 20 years and still managed to work in a reputed position till now. My family and I have accepted her irrespective of what psoriasis has effects on her body. But that is not the same with the society or the people she deals with outside. Every time she is being realized of being infected by some vulgar infection that she could not get rid of ever. Society haunts a lot and they are the key reasons for having the negative image of people having body stigma.
My mom still is not happy nor confident enough to show herself as the way she is. She hides her infected parts with the dress and try not to let it project in front of anybody. The worst part is that these infected areas needs to be moisturized quiet often in a day which is mostly hindered in any public gatherings. It ruins her state quite often and through intensive medications she sustains the pain just for the happiness of others. Its the same feeling as a mom unable to feed her baby with open breasts in public.
Eventually, the body-stigma person cultivates the negative body image in their mindset that gradually increases and the person goes in deep depression and mental illness if they are not properly taken care of. Its the attitude of people towards any person when they find any defects and start reacting to that ; which is the primary cause of negative body image in the majority of infected people. On the other hand, the fear of losing the actual appearance and how to face others leads to negative body image, This is one of the causes for body shaming concerning every individual with or without body stigma.
Caring for yourself is an important part of feeling confident. Make sure you are getting what you need to feel good about yourself and your abilities. - Verywell Mind
My 4-year-old son reveals extreme grief on seeing any small rashes on his skin due to any climatic conditions or allergens and reacts as if its the end of his world. This fear is the real cause of loosing confidence on oneself and eventually leads to negative body stigma. Here I realized how any type of minor rashes on the body sends a signal to the brain that something severe has happened and needs to be cleared at the earliest. I had a thorough research on how to eradicate this fear and boost confidence on body stigma to lead a better life.
Building a new reality
Studies found that an individual may develop self-stigmatization as a result of the stress of having a body stigma associated with them. When someone has self-stigmatizing beliefs, they may feel less confident or socially isolated. Instead of looking at body stigma as a mark of disgrace, accept it and let it heal by itself. Major concerned stigmas will of course need proper medications, but your mental stability does matter. To overcome a "potential" stigma, one must build a new reality for themselves and demonstrate that having a body mark is not anything to be ashamed of. You'll become a respected individual and viewed as a "advocate" once you develop self-confidence. Acknowledge your stigma but do not define them. Have a clear mind of acceptance and move ahead with confidence.
“Step by step, we will break this cycle of silence, poor information, and stigma.” - Chevy Chase
Studies also claim that people have started comparing with others more often nowadays, especially via social media intimacy and began to envy themselves. This comparison may have a negative impact on one's self-confidence. Hence, remind yourself that doing so isn’t helpful. Everyone is running their own race and life isn’t a competition. Also practice self-care and naturally, it will impact positively to your mind, soul and spirit. Self-care includes day-to-day activities like exercise, meditation, healthy diet intake and good-quality sleep.
Next is to face your fears of been in stigmatic condition by educating yourself. Once you become educated about stigma and your potential problems with anxiety and worry, you can make an active choice to do something to improve your life. Live an empowered life and ignore others who dictate how you look or feel pathetic.