Prevent COVID-19 blame and shame
While getting COVID-19 inconveniences and possibly endangers others, shaming only makes the situation worse. Regardless of how they acquire the illness, they deserve kindness and compassion.
The year 2020 was difficult for everyone, particularly for those who have substance-use disorders. Unfortunately, people with SUD often experience stigmatization because others do not understand their disease.
A new type of stigma is surfacing during the pandemic: COVID-19 shaming. People who contract this virus likely already blame themselves, even though it is not their fault. While getting COVID-19 inconveniences and possibly endangers others, shaming only makes the situation worse. Regardless of how they acquire the illness, they deserve kindness and compassion.
COVID-19 stigma takes various forms:
—Student-athletes shaming a team member for causing canceled practices/games.
—Negative remarks about teachers or students who are in quarantine.
—Racist comments like calling it “the Chinese virus.”
—Social media bullying.
—Accusing others of spreading the virus.
—Discriminatory comments regarding a person’s socio-economic status and likelihood of contracting the disease.
—Lack of compassion toward those with increased depression, anxiety and loneliness.
In a time of fear and confusion, it’s easy to ignore the circumstances and go straight to blaming a person or a group of people. However, placing blame on someone only feeds that person’s guilt and loneliness.
For more information email Kristie Skaggs at skaggsk@one-eighty.org or visit www.TheyWillListen.com.
This article was submitted on behalf of Turning Point Coalition of Orrville, CIRCLE Coalition of Wooster, Rittman SALT Coalition, Norwayne SALT Coalition and Chippewa Cares Coalition.