Getting COVID-19, A Shame
Shame and stigma are prominent features of COVID-19.
Shame and stigma are known as the urgent issues related to COVID-19 by WHO because individuals struggling with COVID-19 often experience shame and guilt. This shame is commonly associated with unknowingly spreading the virus, being avoided by peers, or getting labeled as THE COVID POSITIVE PATIENT.
The stigma around COVID 19 often prevents people from seeking medical attention until their symptoms worsen, and they also get hesitant about telling others. Some don’t even get tested if they feel like they might have caught covid.
Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, says the stigma of covid 19 stops people from accessing health services and prevents public health measures from effectively controlling pandemic
Social media is playing a significant role in this widespread shaming. It is giving rise to COVID SHAMING that includes:
- Pandemic shaming: labeling people who ignore public health warnings as #selfishpricks or “covidots.”
- Health worker shaming: shaming health workers because they are unwilling to work on the frontline or for being “ the disease spreaders.”
- Peer shaming: getting shamed for unknowingly spreading the virus or losing a job after lockdown.
Shame can be due to the following factors:
- Job loss
- Illness
- Isolation
- Poverty
- Domestic abuse
- Losing patients
Shame and stigma due to covid have a long-term negative impact on individuals’ lives. e.g., the fear of unknowingly spreading a disease may remain intact. One may become nosophobic, i.e., irrational fear of contracting a disease, getting attachment and communication issues, or losing confidence.
How to cope with the feelings of shame
The first step to managing the guilt around contracting COVID-19 is determining if the emotion of guilt fits the fact, and Cohen says it does not, and we also need to realize that emotions don’t always correlate with facts.
If someone notifies you of their covid diagnosis, let them know that you appreciate their openness and communication.
If you test positive, let them know who you have been in contact with because it’s their right to know. Be honest and open. If someone says NO to face-to-face interaction, understand it instead of making fun of them.
Always be gracious to people around you because contracting COVID-19 is already stressful enough.
Everyone is going through a hard time right now. Be thoughtful and considerate.
