On this World Mental Health Day, we remind you that stigma is not only harmful in itself, but it can also increase mental health challenges.
Internalized stigma or self-stigma refers to the process where individuals adopt negative societal attitudes about their status, leading to feelings of shame, worthlessness, and self-blame.
People living with HIV often experience internalized stigma and begin to develop negative self-image and thoughts about self. They may fear they will be discriminated against or judged negatively if their HIV status is revealed.
These harmful attitudes not only affect their self-esteem and mental well-being but also hinder their access to healthcare and social support systems. This can affect the mental health of people living with HIV.
Today is World Mental Health Day
Today, Sini from Positiiviset is speaking about the results of the Stigma Index Finland in a Webinar. The webinar aims to explore the connection between internalized stigma and the mental health challenges experienced by people living with HIV. Read more and register for the webinar here.
What? Webinar called Internalized Stigma and Mental Health Among People Living with HIV
Where? In Zoom
When? On Thursday 10th October at 16:00 (Finnish time)
What is Stigma Index?
What is it like to live with HIV in Finland? What kind of stigma or discrimination do people experience because of HIV? Answers to these questions and more were found in Stigma Index survey conducted by Positiviset ry and developed by international organizations. The report can now be read here.