Educating others is being responsible. The ability to
detect challenges and educate our fellow countrymen is our collective responsibility.
People must know that testing positive for COVID-19 is already an unfortunate
circumstance, but the traumatizing thing that will affect the victim more is
the stigma they experience from those around them. Due to isolation and
distancing measures, there is not much that we can do physically to render our
support, but while the victims are in isolation, there can be ways of giving
hope and support to those infected. Let’s continue to communicate and to rich
out to those infected or those in isolation on our virtual spaces.
What
is meant by stigma?
A dictionary meaning of stigma is; - a mark of disgrace that sets a person
apart from others. When a person is labelled by their illness they are no
longer seen as an individual but as part of a stereotyped group. To stigmatize
means; to characterize as disgraceful or ignominious; to mark with a stigma.
Lived
experiences of stigmatization for COVID-19
Mr Lawrencedale (real name withheld) shares his
story about his real-life experience of stigmatisation because of the pandemic.
Mr Lawrencedale says;
I
remember the day it was reported that there was a COVID-19 case at the flat near
where I stay. News travelled faster than some of us. We got to work, a walking
distance from home, and before we could unlock the doors to our offices, we
were instructed to go back home and self isolate. We were now COVID-19
suspects. As if it was not depressing enough the way the instruction was given was
indecorous. We were not supposed to be seen anywhere near the work complex. As
we walked out I remember trying hard to be strong, confident, and to maintain
my gait, but there were many eyes focused on us which made it difficult for me.
I could see fear written on the faces of my comrades. Some tried jokes to break
the tension, but all were bad jokes anyway. Realising how people reacted to our
circumstance, I did not share the news about this development with other
friends and distant family members. So I was going to die in silence I guess.
Whilst
I admit that our proximity to the case required extra protection measures, the
whole experience made us feel lost and unwanted in our world. We got tested but
that too has its set of problems, especially the psychological trauma that goes
with all that. A lot of unanswered questions keep popping up; questions about
the accuracy of the testing process, questions about conspiracy theories
spreading on social media, and then you tell yourself all is well, but the
truth is it’s all because you are afraid. The days we stayed home in self-isolation
was a half a mile into eternity. I pondered on a lot of things; the safety of
my family, the future, and even life after death. Besides, the thought of being
considered a threat to others travels with you another stretch of the mile. In
a matter of days, we were so far away, lost and disconnected.
So,
we eagerly waited for the results, but the truth is I didn’t want the results
for one obvious reason! The other part of me wanted the results to make sure my
family was safe. Although I was confident that the circumstances linking us to
the reported new COVID-19 case were isolated, I found my hands shaking trying
to open the results envelop the day the results came, and thereafter pretending
to be strong after getting the results. After obtaining the negative result, it
wasn’t easy for colleagues at work to easily accept and readmit us at work. Back
at work, it took time for the fear on their faces to disappear. But as for me,
I didn’t want to go back to work because I felt rejected and lost. I knew it
was a psychological battle difficult to win, except by the passing on of time.
Gaining the trust of our comrades and admission back at work was another
challenge.
From Mr Lawrencedale’s experience, we can learn that,
if the experience was this traumatising for a merely labelled suspect of
COVID-19, how much more traumatizing is it to those with confirmed positive
results? While Mr Lawrencedale’s story is similar to many other recollections
of stigmatisation, you and I can help fight the stigmatisation of those
infected with coronavirus by educating others and sharing good practices for
fighting the problem.
What
to do
It’s simple! COVID-19 is a real threat, but my
advice is when you know someone infected, or in isolation, pray for them, keep
your usual communication with them. Stop wagging tongues and stop rumouring
about them. Avoid that look! You know the kind of stare I am referring to! Don’t
try to overly sympathise with them. Let your communication be normal. Of course,
maintain your social distance and take all precautionary measures, everyone
understands that. Being afraid is Ok, but don’t let your fear destroy others. Do
not stigmatise those who are victims of the pandemic. Do not stigmatize anyone.
