@mariajean03
It’s terrible how your parents treated you. I’m sorry you went through that.
I am well familiar with stigma.
I try in a pleasant way (not always successful) when someone makes a cruel comment, to turn that situation into a teaching opportunity.
Sometimes people listen sometimes they don’t. People who make negative comments are ignorant but after explaining some are often appreciative and even apologetic. A man in the steam room made a stigmatizing comment about me having epilepsy. I turned to him and said, “did you enjoy being cruel and hurting me. I shouldn’t have started out talking to him that way, but sometimes when hurt, it’s difficult to react the way you should. I think my comment shamed him with others around and he apologized. He had a misunderstanding about Epilepsy so I explained what it actually is. Embrace the opportunity you have to educate people about your condition.
But the isolation issue, in my opinion is a choice you choose to make.
You must accept your condition for what it is. Stay positive and and don’t let others negatively affect you.
I won’t let others bring me down. I decided long ago names and mean comments can only hurt me if I allow them to.
Some people use such opportunities to make themselves feel more important than you. You’re as good as anyone else so get out there and enjoy life.
Here is a link re: stiga from Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/in-depth/mental-health/art-20046477
There is so much misinformation out there, I feel a responsibility to do my share to educate and help eliminate stigma. I hope you join me.
STAY POSITIVE,
Jake