22/02/2022
The opposite of stigma is...what?


A big part of the work when opening conversations about mental and emotional health is the breaking down of old rhetoric and dissolving stigmas.


The interesting thing about stigmas is that they hide in the shadows of assumption, unconscious bias and lack of understanding. We walk around with them, letting them filter how we see the world, without really knowing they are there.
Ironically, the way we think about mental in others takes a toll on how we perceive our own mental health as well. They impact our likelihood to ask for help, increase shame and self doubt while having a huge affect on our wellbeing.


However, this does not mean we are unable to change the way we approach mental health with ourselves, our friends, families and colleagues.


I think the opposite of stigma is....CURIOSITY!


When talking about mental health, if we want to strengthen skills such as empathy, impulse control and interpersonal relationships, we can shift our mindset to one of curiosity and suddenly...


We no longer assume to know why someone is reacting the way they are.


We no longer jump to conclusions about another's experience (because we cannot see everything they are carrying!)


We ask questions.


We ask some more questions.


And finally,


We ask how we can help lighten the load.


Will you try practicing curiosity today?
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