#155 Self-stigma and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall

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Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ 

In this episode, Dr. Jan Eppingstall and I are exploring the impact of self-stigma and societal responsibility in hoarding. We look in depth at stigma and how it affects individuals with mental health conditions, especially hoarding disorder, and how self-stigma can damage us and prevent us from seeking help. Plus, we introduce a new segment — "permission slip". Stay tuned for some outtakes at the end!

• Impact of Public Stigma and Self-Stigma
• Dr. Jan Eppingstall explains public stigma, including stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination
• Key facets of public stigma: difference, disdain, and blame
• Understanding Self-Stigma and Public Stigma
• How stereotypes can affect self-stigma, using people's reactions to TV shows as an example
• The implications of self-stigma, including low self-esteem, hopelessness, and reluctance to seek treatment
• The interlinking of public stigma, self-stigma, shame, and self-consciousness, as well as self-blame and the impact of self-stigma on seeking help
• Variation in mental illness stereotypes by disorder
• Introduction of the "permission slip" segment
• Discussion on the compulsion to keep things and the completionist mindset
• Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Mental Illness Stigma
• Conversation about the perception of hoarding based on socioeconomic status and the value of items being kept
• Comparison of hoarding in different contexts: ample space and financial means versus living in a cramped environment
• Impact of space and wealth on hoarding, highlighted through a documentary about Celine Dion and her extensive costume collection
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Addressing Self-Stigma
• Dr. Eppingstall outlines the ACT approach, focusing on personal values and psychoeducation on relational frame theory to address self-stigma
• Cognitive behavioural therapy techniques like reframing and peer support groups to combat self-stigma, as well as radical acceptance through a 10-step process
• Influence of Cultural Beliefs and Social Factors on Stigma
• Discussion of the influence of cultural beliefs on mental illness stigma, including the impact of social factors on self-stigmatisation
• Protective factors against self-stigmatisation: quality of life, social relationships, and cultural acceptance of mental illness
• The impact of societal influences on self-stigma and the importance of understanding one's thought patterns without trying to banish them
• External stigma's potential influence on self-stigma, with a suggestion that marginalised individuals facing more external stigma might be more susceptible to self-stigmatisation
• Internalised social stigma leads to negative self-concept.
• Self-stigma affects help-seeking behaviours negatively.
• Questioning stigmatisation and hoarding in media.
• Cultural stigma influences self-stigmatisation of mental illness.
• Communities’ response to mental illness.
• Self-stigma's impact varies based on individual factors.
• Internalised stigma is the acceptance of negative societal stereotypes.
• Self-stigma creates harm, deters seeking help.
• Reflection on hoarding stigma and societal perceptions.
• Public stigma in different cultures affects self-stigmatisation and attitudes toward mental illness and treatment.
• Reflecting on community's approach to mental illness and its impact on self-stigma.
• Practicing radical acceptance, using self-acceptance talk and behaviour changes to move forward.
• Self-stigma affects people differently based on various factors such as personality, upbringing, and society. Different societies can influence how people perceive and react to self-stigma.