Abstract
The Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry (SLJP) is a peer-reviewed, open access journal published bi annually by the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists.The Journal publishes original papers, brief reports including case reports and commentaries relevant to psychiatry and allied sciences. The Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry is committed to maintaining and conforming to the editorial and ethical standards recommended by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors.Cover“Perseverance”. These tenacious fishermen in Mannar continue their livelihood despite numerous difficulties. L. N. P. Samarasinghe, Acting Consultant Psychiatrist, Base Hospital Nikaweratiya, Sri Lanka.
Highlights
Stigma and discriminatory behaviours are common during pandemics
Security and other essential services and their family members experienced stigma and discrimination from the wider society, neighbours or media
It is essential that authorities take action to mitigate such instances, for instance by formulating media guidelines on reporting the pandemic – an action that was implemented subsequent to these study results
Summary
Stigma and discriminatory behaviours are common during pandemics. Stigma if not mitigated could result in varied negative psychological consequences in those who it is directed towards, as well as his/her associates. Stigma is defined as a negative attitude based on a distinguishing characteristic such as a health condition and could lead to discriminatory behaviour towards those who are being stigmatised [1]. Certain neurological diseases (e.g. epilepsy), obesity, disabilities, and communicable diseases (e.g. tuberculosis and severe acute respiratory syndrome) are some health conditions that are known to trigger stigma towards the affected and/or their family members [2, 3, 4]. Self-stigma occurs when the persons’ stigmatised internalise these public attitudes, and as a result experience negative psychological consequences, such as low self-esteem [6].
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