Anti Stigmatization Category

Anti Stigmatization | By April 10, 2008 | By Patti Wilson-Herndon | 4 Comments

In Deed, Indeed - Compassion and Empathy

I find the subject of compassion compelling. I believe this aspect of human-kind is a pivotal component in successful negotiation of the human experience where family and community is concerned. Pivotal, because in the absence of compassion there is stagnant disconnect. I suppose if one were to live solitary in the woods and could sustain the needs that promote healthy survival without interactions with fellow man, compassion and empathy would be unnecessary provisions in the condition of living. A rare few would decide to do that. Even if it were plausible to do so, we don’t willingly choose to. We desire the interaction of others. It promotes a sense of inclusion and well-being. There can be no perception of that belonging without some amount of compassion and empathy echoing within the dynamic of human interaction. To that end, it’s fundamental. Read more →

Why Some Men, Like Women, Cannot Read Maps Too | March 01, 2008 | 1 Comment

I never quite got around to write the sequel to Barbara and Allan Pease’s evocative work (1), although I had figured out a nice name for it, “Why men don’t use makeup, and women can’t Sumo wrestle.” Not to make fun of the genetic determinists who study gender differences,... Read more →

Brain Damage, Part VI: Advanced Recovery, Brain Process Remediation | February 28, 2008 | 1 Comment

Once again, I’m dedicating this to folks in more or less advanced recovery from brain injury. Remember, brain damage isn’t just from an impact, there are many illnesses that can cause cognitive impairment. Many people are able to recover very well. Much of this is good for people who just... Read more →

Brain Damage, Part V: Advanced Recovery, Reclaiming Splinter Skills | February 25, 2008 | 2 Comments

Since you’re pretty much on your own once they tell you you’re recovered, I’m dedicating this topic to everyone who is supposedly recovered, but who do not have functional lives yet. If this isn’t you, please keep reading, because it’s bound to be someone you know sooner... Read more →

Brain Damage, Part IV: Unfolding Your Map | February 22, 2008 | 1 Comment

A woman called me recently about her uncle (for confidentiality, some of the details have been scrambled), who is tending a local business that is in a property held by the family. The uncle’s assistant manages to keep the processes of the business going, but things are falling into disrepair and,... Read more →

Brain Damage, Part III: In the Clinical Dark Ages | February 19, 2008 | 1 Comment

In this entry of my brain damage series, I’ll provide a clinical example to convey how the cultural dynamics of stigma can play out in clinicians’ behavior. Once upon a time, I acted as an advocate for a woman I’ll call Cindy, who was suffering from depression and cognitive difficulties... Read more →

Brain Damage, Part II: The Last Refuge of Bigotry | February 16, 2008 | 2 Comments

If you consider the kinds of things that are said and done regarding cognitive problems, and swapped out the cognitive problem for another issue like race, religion, sexual orientation, or even other disabilities, it wouldn’t be as funny, or tolerable, or even make sense. This article tries to... Read more →

Brain Damage, Part I: Clinical Complacence | February 14, 2008 | 3 Comments

People with ADD get a day, but brain damage gets the month of March. March seems like a good month for brain damage awareness. However long the winter feels, March is when spring starts to enter our minds. The first warmer breezes are not far off (if you’re in the northern hemisphere and you’re... Read more →