OneofUsContributor
Social stigma and self care
Hi all, I am new here and this is the reason I have joined. I had read some information on my diagnosis (PTSD) that informed that isolation was bad. I did not want to be bad, so I tried to be social over the Australia day long weekend. I live in a very small rural community and while I was mostly included within conversations, I was very quickly devalued. I have been ruminating ever since on some of the things they said and very much regret pushing myself to go out.
Previous to my move, I was heavily involved in a childrens charity. I was an active volunteer, held a job and I very much miss the role I had before. But I got burned out and will not return to that particular job. I am feeling lost without a sense of purpose and no employment with very limited money and often go days without eating. I have been on the ball with my eating but am still searching for something more to fill my time with. I spoke with others about what my options might be in returning to work or finding a space to fit in socially here and over and over when I expressed my desires I was told "oh hun, you know you're not capable of that dont you?". It made me feel worthless and like I have no options as the things I want to do are percieved as too difficult for someone with mental health challenges.
I spent some time meditating this morning, and while I do feel more peaceful now and have not had the intrusive thoughts, I am searching for ways to self sooth in the face of stigma. I am quite taken aback with the towns peoples opinon of me, as they assume I am useless and incapable of participating in activities that bring me joy. I definitely want to isolate myself again, to avoid the off hand comments that bring me distress. But at the same time I desire to be a part of something where I can contribute to the community and have some structure to life.
Can any one relate or have any tips? How do I let the stigma roll off my back and carry on? I feel extremely weak for letting it get to me this much.
