Webb Therapy Uncategorized Continued guilt, shame, and internalised stigma correlated to alcohol and other drug use

Continued guilt, shame, and internalised stigma correlated to alcohol and other drug use

| Mitchell WebbMitchell Webb| 0 Comment |
Categories: Uncategorized

Despite significant advancements in political and health initiatives by governments and non-governmental organisations, shame, stigma, and internalized stigma continue to profoundly impact millions of lives worldwide. These negative perceptions and self-judgments can lead to feelings of worthlessness, self-blame, and social withdrawal, which in turn hinder access to services and participation in treatment.

Shame and stigma are particularly prevalent among individuals with substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and those experiencing psychosis. For instance, internalised stigma can lead to low self-esteem, depression, and hopelessness, which significantly impede recovery and emotional well-being. Even with the implementation of cognitive therapy and other supportive measures, the battle against internalised stigma remains ongoing in a similar fashion to intergenerational trauma, as though it has been built into human DNA.

Political and health initiatives have attempted to be instrumental in addressing these issues. For example, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care has launched numerous programs aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing stigma. These initiatives focus on health promotion, early intervention, and disease prevention, aiming to create supportive environments for those affected by stigma.

However, the persistence of shame and stigma highlights the need for continued efforts to combat these issues especially in the workplace and within individual families. Addressing stigma therapeutically, promoting empathy and non-judgmental attitudes, and supporting individuals to view themselves beyond their conditions are crucial steps in mitigating the negative impacts of stigma.

Helping someone with a substance use disorder (SUD) while protecting yourself and your family involves a delicate balance of support and self-care. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Educate Yourself

Understanding SUD and its effects can help you make informed decisions and provide better support. Reliable sources include medical professionals, reputable websites, and support groups.

2. Set Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries to protect your well-being. This might include rules about substance use in the home, financial support, and personal interactions. Boundaries help prevent enabling behaviours and reduce stress.

3. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends. Self-care helps you maintain your mental and emotional health.

4. Seek Support

Join support groups like Al-Anon or seek therapy to process your emotions and develop coping strategies. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide invaluable support and understanding.

5. Encourage Professional Help

Encourage your loved one to seek professional help, such as counselling, therapy, or medical treatment. Treatment programs often include individual, group, or family therapy sessions, which can be beneficial for everyone involved.

6. Detach with Love

Detaching with love means setting emotional and psychological boundaries while still offering support. This approach helps you avoid becoming emotionally drained and allows your loved one to face the consequences of their actions.

7. Be Patient and Compassionate

Recovery is a journey that takes time. Be patient and compassionate with your loved one and yourself. Celebrate small victories and stay hopeful.

8. Avoid Judgment

Avoid being judgmental when discussing substance use. Offer support and understanding instead of criticism, which can help reduce feelings of shame and stigma.

References

Al-Anon Family Groups. (n.d.). Al-Anon and Alateen. Retrieved from https://al-anon.org/newcomers/what-is-al-anon-and-alateen

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2024). Initiatives and programs. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/about-us/what-we-do/initiatives-and-programs

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Health promotion and health protection. Retrieved from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/health-promotion

Australian Government Department of Health. (2019). Alcohol and other drugs – Information for families. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/alcohol-and-other-drugs-information-for-families

Mental Health Foundation. (2016). How to cope when supporting someone else. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-cope-when-supporting-someone-else

Morrison, A. P., Birchwood, M., Pyle, M., Flach, C., Stewart, S. L. K., Byrne, R., Patterson, P., Jones, P. B., Fowler, D., & Gumley, A. I. (2013). Impact of cognitive therapy on internalised stigma in people with at-risk mental states. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 203(2), 140-145. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.112.112110

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Family support in addiction recovery. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/family-support-in-addiction-recovery

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Substance use disorders. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disorders

Wood, L., Byrne, R., Burke, E., Enache, G., & Morrison, A. P. (2017). The impact of stigma on emotional distress and recovery from psychosis: The mediatory role of internalised shame and self-esteem. Retrieved from https://repository.essex.ac.uk/21927/1/woodpr2017.pdf

Your Room. (2021). Shame and self-stigma. Retrieved from https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/whats-new/Pages/Shame-and-self-stigma.aspx

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Webb Therapy is a casual, affirming, and confidential, talking therapeutic process dedicated to supporting people who are experiencing anything, and want to talk about it. Webb Therapy offers a warm and integrative counselling service based in Sydney City. Led by Mitch Webb—a registered counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association.

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Please Phone 0488 555 731 to schedule a booking.
Price: $120.00 for a 60 minute session. Please enquire if you are a low income earner or receiving Centrelink benefit.

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| Mitchell WebbMitchell Webb| 0 Comment|

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  • “Only strangers commit sexual violence.” Many people believe that sexual violence is only perpetrated by strangers, but in reality, it often occurs within relationships, friendships, or social circles.
  • “LGBTQIA+ survivors must have ‘asked for it’ because of their identity or lifestyle.” This myth wrongly suggests that LGBTQIA+ individuals are responsible for the violence they experience, which is never the case.
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These myths contribute to a culture of silence and shame, making it harder for survivors to seek justice and support.

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  3. Impulsivity: Bulimia is often associated with impulsive behaviors and difficulties in regulating emotions.
  4. Shame and Guilt: After binge eating, individuals with bulimia often feel intense shame and guilt, which perpetuates the cycle of purging3.
  5. Co-occurring Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders are commonly seen in individuals with bulimia.

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| Mitchell WebbMitchell Webb| 0 Comment|

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From the perspective of Moffatt’s professional experience, childhood sexual behaviours can be grouped into three categories: 1. normal behaviours, 2. behaviours that are not normal but not unusual, and 3. behaviours that are abnormal or statistically rare. For the purpose of this post, I will be replacing the word “normal” with “natural” and/or “common” moving forward.


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Rule No. 3: Natural or common sexual behaviour in children is never invasive. Natural childhood curiosity does not include inserting objects or one’s own body parts into the cavities of others — anus, vagina, mouth, etc.


I’m unsure why Moffatt didn’t make this a 4th rule – he did add that most of the time, this type of childhood behaviour occurs between children of similar age. It is highly unusual for a young child to sexually engage with a teen without violating one of the three rules above. That behaviour definitely calls for further investigation. And, certainly, any sexual interaction between an adult and a child is cause for mandated reporting.

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