Author: Micah Lim

Asking for help is not always easy. In an American society that values competence and

individualism, relying on others is often interpreted as a sign of weakness. Everyday life is

expected to be lived independently of others and success may seem like a path walked alone;

however, no matter how self-sufficient someone may seem, everyone needs help.

For neurological disorders, the social consequences are a pervasive barrier that keeps people

from seeking professional treatment due to stigma and fear of discrimination. It lowers the

demand for resources to treat neurological disorders and diminishes the representation of people

in need of care. For example, many less developed countries culturally hold a strong stigma

against Epilepsy, believing that the neurological disease is contagious or a sign of possession. In

India, a short seizure can result in a permanently revoked driver's license by law. The implication

of stigma leads to a much more economic and social burden to treatable diseases such as

epilepsy. Since many cultural perspectives see neurological disorders as weakness, it is most

important to dismantle misconceptions so that society may learn to accept and understand these

differences.

To act against neurological disorder stigma, multiple steps are needed to work on a large and

small scale:

1. First, political commitment towards public health efforts is necessary for funding

resources for treating people with neurological disorders and signing legislation that

protects their rights. By showing their support, community leaders and public health

officials can work to educate society through policy and influence.

2. Second, there needs to be a public and professional awareness for neurological disorders

with their needs identified so that society may accommodate them. Campaigns that target

both physicians and the public will tie expert knowledge to what is commonly believed

and trusted.

3. Lastly, stigma must be exposed for the public to realize and perspectives must be aligned

to consider the hardships people with neurological disorders have had to face. Creating

educational opportunities will be very important for people to receive a diagnosis.

At Plus One Foundation, it is incredibly important for us to work against the stigma individuals

face when seeking treatment for their neurological disorders. Not only do we enrich lives on an

individual scale, but we foster a community where people can recognize that they are not alone

in their struggles. Learn to listen and let people know that they are worth so much more than

their disorder