From the way we work and learn to how we interact, the pandemic has changed our lives radically. These adjustments have had many impacts, predominantly on our health. Since COVID-19 began, many people have faced mental health challenges, mainly from feeling overwhelmed by the shifts in lifestyle as well as the stigmatization that came along with the virus. It is crucial to address these stigmas to recognize the issues and promote change.
Written by Navreen Dosanjh
What Are The COVID-19 Stigmatizations?
It is crucial to first understand what stigmatization is. Stigmas are negative views or attitudes placed on certain groups of people. Since the start of the pandemic, several stigmas targeting various groups arose.
These negative stigmas were placed on many individuals, ranging from those belonging to nations where the coronavirus originated and health care workers to those who have travelled recently. Many believe that the discrimination towards these groups of people has stemmed from people feeling anxious about the unknown. The details and data found on the news and other social media have also played a major role in spreading these misconceptions.
The Impacts Of The Stigmatizations
Stigmatizations during the coronavirus have made groups of people feel discouraged and less than, have led to social isolation and depression, as well as the closing of many restaurants and groceries which are associated with where the virus originated. Not only has COVID-19 affected the world and communities socially, but also economically.
How Can We Reduce These Stigmatizations?
We can all do our part to help reduce these stigmas. It is important to start at the source of the discrimination - social media. We must all make sure that we are using factual and reputable sources when reading about the coronavirus. This is to ensure that our understanding of the virus is not stemming from insufficient and/or biased information.
Another way to reduce stigmatization is to show humanity, sympathy, and support to those who have tested positive for COVID-19. Show your understanding to those who feel stigmatized.
Furthermore, we can reduce stigma and show our compassion by supporting affected small businesses and essential workers who continue to do their jobs, during these tough times, to help the community.
COVID-19 has affected almost everybody’s lives in unimaginable ways. It has caused overwhelming stress and increased anxiety among many individuals. Let’s all do our part to stick together during these tough times and show our support to one another.
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