This is a hot take on this, but Imma say it anyway.
Stigma isn’t always intentional cruelty or malicious words. Sometimes it’s:
Being treated like a helpless child all the time
Hearing The Caring Neurotypical Voice™ when people talk to you
“Oh you can do that?” in regards to being able to do normal things everyone else can do.
Not being given the freedom to do what you want out of concern
Everyone acts so scared to name the disorder like it’s a summon for the devil
Say it. Say autistic. Say schizophrenic. Say bipolar. Say the disorder we have. Say it.
Struggling to keep your head above the water but keeping it in because you’d rather face the suffering alone than have everyone walk on eggshells around you
“I have X disorder, I can’t do this activity right now” “Oh but honey, you shouldn’t put yourself in a box. just think you’re not and it might help you recover. give it a try.”
“I am not broken, let me do it” “Honey, I know it’s sometimes hard to accept but you have X disorder and shouldn’t push yourself. sit this one out.”
Not being given the chance to prove that you can take care of yourself or do things the others can
“Oh have you met that boy/girl from (grade/ place)? He’s also [X Disorder].”
it might “not be good for someone like you”
Having someone tell your story for you. Not being given a voice or having it shushed by people who are neurotypical.
People looking at you like you’re shattered glass, their eyes filled with pity and sympathy as if you’re a living tragedy, as if you are this thing that they wish they could fix.
They do not ask you if you want to be fixed. They do not consider that this is your life, and although occasionally troubled, this is yours and it’s the only life you’ve had.
They cannot fathom you ever being happy with your life, but you are. Perhaps not always, but you’ve learned to be content with your life.
Sometimes they push you. But sometimes they also hold you back.
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