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A Global Perspective on Life Sciences Industry News
BEATING STIGMAS WITH THE CLICK OF YOUR MOUSE
According to the
American Heritage dictionary (third edition), a stigma is defined
as: a mark or token of infamy, disgrace, or reproach; a mark or
characteristic indicative of a history of a disease or abnormality.
A stigma is something that can affect a person’s physical and
mental well-being. It can also prevent someone from acknowledging a
health problem or seeking out health care. The word for stigma
changes with the language, but the meaning is universal. The idea
of reproaching or denigrating someone different from the norm
crosses country borders and saturates cultures. Because they often
create uncomfortable social situations, people with neurological
disorders receive a large amount of stigmatization. Misconceptions
that their tics, behaviors or seizures are socially unacceptable,
contagious or brought on by “evil spirits” perpetuate stereotypes
that people with neurological dysfunctions are a danger to others or
have less social value than healthy individuals. This is
commonplace in many societies. Oftentimes these
patients feel rejected by neighbors, communities and places of
employment. Feelings of unease, not fitting in, loss of confidence
and self-doubt permeate their being and lead to self-deprecation and
alienation from society. Frequently, diagnosis or treatment is
delayed to avoid the resulting negative social consequences.
Isolation, depression and poor health are the end products. Societies able to
access the internet may find help through social media. According
to June Dawson, managing director of Digitas Health in London,
“While the Internet has been changing the nature of the
patient/physician relationship for years, social media is starting
to play an interesting role in the delivery of emotional support,
with people suffering chronic and sometimes stigmatized
conditions.” “By enabling people
to share experiences and ask and get those honest answers to
questions about their condition, social media is removing much of
the mystery behind medical decisions and is a powerful source in
helping to make the industry more democratic and humane for
patients.” Digitas Health
surveyed 1,000 physicians and consumers in the United States and
Europe on their use of social media as it relates to healthcare and
found doctors indicated patients with chronic illnesses seem to
benefit most from social media platforms. While the preference is
still for in-person support groups a little more than online support
groups (89% to 74%), online support groups make it possible for the
more isolated patient populations suffering from psychiatric
illnesses and degenerative neurological diseases to still receive
support. Humane is the key
word here. No one should be isolated. Stigmas cross borders and
cultures but they don’t have to prevail. Acknowledging a disorder
and seeking help whether in person or online is a key step to
maintaining physical and mental well-being. Knowing you’re not
alone and able to discuss your condition with others suffering the
same is comforting in a world of stigma and rejection. If in-person
support groups are not your forte, discovering a world of support
from the comfort of your home is just a click away. For more
information on the study conducted by Digitas Health, see this
article from Medical Marketing and Media:
http://www.mmm-online.com/europe-edges-us-in-social-media-for-health-info-says-study/article/166461/ ©aiaTranslations
2010 Article cannot be reproduced
without written consent.