Social Stigma: Effects

Now that we know what social stigma is, how does it present itself? Social stigma during the pandemic can lead to social isolation and ostracization of those who are associated with the disease. Social stigma is not only unhelpful because it leads to damage of that person's mental health, but it can also lead to behaviors that help spread the virus. Due to stigma, these individuals might hide their illness, avoid seeking healthcare, and feel relectant to follows measures to protect their health, like social distancing or wearing a mask. These kinds of actions can create more problems when we are not fighting the pandemic and communicating as a community.