The Real Challenge Of Successful Transitions: Removing The Stigma
Know that the greatest fear is fear of the unknown.
Seek to meet the unknown with courage and confidence.”
—Jonathan Lockwood Huie
As you go through major changes in your personal and professional life, one of the greatest challenges to a successful transition may be the stigma associated with your particular life event. This stigma can keep you isolated from the social and emotional support you will need. Being able to talk about the change you are experiencing in your life and the challenges that transition brings is much more conducive to a successful outcome than suffering in silence. If not talked about, the transition is often prolonged and leaves you and others involved with an incomplete feeling. You will not be able to reach a new normal and a new beginning because your transition will not be complete.
When you can discuss what you’re going through, along with the trials and tribulations of your transition, you’ll be able to find the support you need. I have seen this in my therapy practice as well as my personal life.
Fight Medical Stigmas
In the late 1980s, Ronald Reagan was in the second term of his presidency and was suffering from memory impairment. The stigma associated with Alzheimer’s disease or any kind of memory impairment caused him, his family, and staff to keep it quiet so he could get through his term. But this silence also reinforced the stigma associated with memory loss and kept this disease from being discussed publicly. In many of these cases, this level of denial prolonged the acknowledgment that this is a serious illness and possibly interfered with or delayed important progressive research and funding.
Neurology Now, a magazine that focuses on information and research regarding neurological diseases, includes articles on Alzheimer’s disease along with illnesses like Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. More research studies have been funded and we’re learning more about how to slow down the progression of these kinds of ailments. There is so much more to learn and someday we may even find cures. The difference between what we have done in the past and what is happening now is we are openly talking and writing about these kinds of illnesses and they are no longer shrouded in secrecy by the stigma associated with it.
When AIDS was first diagnosed in the early 1980s, many suffered in silence. Because the disease was mostly associated with the gay community-and had not yet been connected with blood transfer issues-the societal stigma associated with having AIDS was great. Unfortunately, it took years to finally address the seriousness of this illness and the need for more research and funding for effective treatment and a cure. Today many people live with AIDS and have the support and compassion they deserve to make a healthy transition to living with this illness. We are also much more accepting and respectful of different lifestyle choices.
When my mother was diagnosed with cancer in the late 1960s, there were few cures and very limited treatments. It was considered a death sentence. I remember our family called it CA because no one wanted to say the word cancer. Years later, medical professionals, patients, and families were finally able to talk more openly about cancer. As a result, the stigma was removed. This paved the way for more public awareness and a push for funding and cancer research. This facilitated the transition to remission and made cures more possible. Today, many of us are living successful and fulfilling lives with this disease.
Fight Social Stigmas
Talking openly and acknowledging difficult changes is not unique to the medical field. It’s a successful strategy in all aspects of our lives.
Today we are faced with yet another difficult challenge and transition. Consider what is going on in major newspaper headlines across the country. After suffering in silence for generations, women are finding their voice around sexual harassment and abuse. The shame and embarrassment associated with rape and sexual misconduct no longer silences women. They are finding the courage to come forward about sexual transgressions they have personally experienced and that have been going on for many years.
In the past, women were too afraid to reveal their experience because of the shame and fear of not being believed. This is also true of children who have been sexually violated. Whether children or adults, they can now come forward, reveal the truth, be listened to and believed. Many can experience a transition to health by sharing the trauma from sexual abuse and harassment. However, there will always be those situations where denial exists and healing is not possible.
The work place is not immune to stigmas. As companies merge, reorganize their staff, or move their locations, many confident and seasoned employees are laid off. It used to be that was an embarrassment and those being let go felt a loss of confidence and self-esteem. There was very little help or support as employees tried to find another job or cope with an early retirement they weren’t yet prepared for.
Today, there is more sensitivity to layoffs with support systems in place to help people re-career. With the advent of social media, especially LinkedIn and some of the career sites, potential employees are transparent about being in the queue for finding another position and, in some cases, a better position. Making it public and communicating through social media about your employability is the norm. It makes this uncomfortable and, at times, disruptive transition much easier.
Fight Any Stigma By Taking Care Of Yourself
Here are some ways you can challenge the stigma of any unexpected transition you’re going through and complete a healthy transition to a new beginning:
- Find your voice and talk about your transition.
- Seek out the help and support of a trusted family member, friend, or colleague depending on the kind of transition you are experiencing.
- Explore other resources: find online information, self-help books, a therapist, a coach, community resources, etc.
- Seek out support groups that address the kind of transition you are experiencing: death of a family member, diagnosis of cancer, Alzheimer’s, AIDS, MS, divorce, job loss, etc.
- Write about what you’re feeling and thinking as you go through this transition. You don’t have to share what you write with others for this process to be effective.
- Meditate daily to soothe your worries and calm your fears and anxieties.
- Embrace your courage and know you are not alone.
You don’t need to suffer in silence because of the stigma attached to an unwanted or unpleasant change that is suddenly a part of your life. As you find your voice, others will find theirs and you won’t feel alone. The supportive relationships that you create in your life today are investments in your future life success. Find the courage within yourself to face life’s changes, challenges, and subsequent transitions. You can overcome stigmas, be a survivor, and thrive as an outcome of your transition.
Dee Cascio
Author, speaker, Licensed Psychotherapist, Certified Life Coach, Retirement Lifestyle/ReCareer Coach, and Life and Work Transitions Strategies Coach.
As you face changes and transition in life and work, I welcome the opportunity to assist you either on a one-on-one basis or in a group coaching setting in order to meet your needs. Please contact me.
The Life and Work Transitions Community
You’ve joined a great group — people who plan to make successful transitions in life and work. May you be inspired to use your strengths and skills to grow in this season and may each transition be your best ever.
Want more help for your life and work transitions?
Check out the Life and Work Transitions Strategies blog
Ready To Retire? Successful Retirement Planning To Make The Best Of The Rest Of Your Life
If you found this information helpful, please share with family, friends, fans, followers, colleagues, and people in your network. Invite others to subscribe to this Life and Work Transition Strategies Newsletter.
