What If? — Exposing Stigma's Pain in a Video Script
Today’s Learning
Moment – What If? — Exposing Stigma's Pain in a Video Script - June 26, 2023
A Video Script - The Pain of Stigma
Written by and for people with Lived Experience - Port Alberni Community Action
Team - Families Helping Families.
Did you know that Learning Moments is an initiative of the Port Alberni
Community Action Team? As our parent group, they do some awesome work around
substance/concurrent disorders. Recently they have stepped up their game and
begun creating videos that address harm reduction, reducing stigma and a host
of other subjects related to substance disorder knowledge.
In the last few weeks, our CAT Team has been working on several videos
specifically related to stigma reduction. If you haven’t seen them, you should
check out our Facebook Page.
It’s been an interesting process. One of the fun parts is trying to work out a
script. Video creators approach these kinds of things in all kinds of ways.
Here at our CAT Team, it seemed like the best way was to create the script
first. We wanted our Learning Moment readers to take a look at what a script
like that looks like.
Take a read below. Ask yourself what you would do if you were creating a script for a video that would drive reducing stigma. What would be the message that you would give people? How would you encourage people to rethink what they believe now? That’s the real challenge, isn’t it? Changing the way people perceive substance/concurrent disorders.
So Here goes — let us know what you would add or change.
[Section 1: Intro] Narrator: Welcome to our video on understanding the impact of stigma on people with substance disorders. In this powerful journey, we will explore the profound effects of stigma and how it can shape the lives of individuals struggling with substance use. Join us as we shed light on the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding.
[Section 2: The Sad Person with Active Substance Disorder]
Narrator: Meet Sarah. Sarah is a young woman with a substance disorder. Every
day, she battles not only the challenges of addiction but also the heavy burden
of stigma. Society often misunderstands her struggle, judging her instead of
offering support. This constant stigma weighs heavily on Sarah, making her feel
isolated, ashamed, and trapped in a cycle of despair.
Sarah (sadly): Every time I reach out for help, I'm met with
judgment and rejection. It's as if people don't see me as a person anymore;
they only see my addiction. The stigma I face daily only pushes me further into
darkness.
[Section 3: Defining Stigma Behavior] Narrator: Stigma
behaviour often manifests in various ways, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and
misconceptions about substance disorders. It can lead to prejudice,
discrimination, and the denial of opportunities for those seeking recovery.
Narrator (firmly): Stigma labels individuals with substance
disorders as weak, immoral, and unworthy of compassion. This behaviour further
marginalizes them, hindering their ability to seek the support and treatment
they desperately need.
[Section 4: What Needs to Change] Narrator: It's time to
challenge and change the narrative surrounding substance disorders. We must
foster a culture of empathy and understanding, replacing stigma with
compassion.
Narrator (passionately): Instead of judgment, let's offer
support. Instead of rejection, let's extend a helping hand. By educating ourselves
about substance disorders and their complexities, we can break down the walls
of stigma and create a more inclusive community.
[Section 5: Happy People] Narrator: Imagine a world where
stigma no longer exists, where individuals with substance disorders are met
with kindness and understanding. In this world, they find the courage to seek
help, embark on their journey of recovery, and reclaim their lives.
[Sound of laughter and joy]
Narrator (with enthusiasm): Look around, and you'll see
happy individuals, once burdened by stigma, now thriving in an environment free
from judgment. Together, we can create this reality, where compassion replaces
stigma and hope replaces despair.
[Section 6: Thank You] Narrator: We are grateful to you for
joining us on this enlightening journey. By understanding the impact of stigma
on people with substance disorders, we all play an active role in reshaping our
community’s perception.
Narrator (gratefully): Thank you for your willingness to
learn, empathize, and advocate for change. Together, we make a difference, one
compassionate action at a time.
[Closing music fades in]
Well, there you go. It’s a first draft and you have a front seat on the
creative process. Now it’s your turn. What would you add? What would you
change? Comment or send us an email. You can be part of the creation of the final
video.
Author: Ron Merk – Ron is a person with
lived experience who has family members with concurrent disorders. He advocates
for people and families. (This article was written with the help of AI
-accessing the combined knowledge of humanity)
Note: We may use words or phrases in our articles that are not first person, or
the latest best-in-practice language. Sometimes we will use older, non-informed
jargon. to clarify and inform people who are learning the new non-stigmatizing
language. (linking old language usage to new terms) You can tell when you run
into these old or non-inclusive words or phrases. They will be in quotation
marks - eg old word “addiction” – When we introduce new inclusive language,
words or phrases, they will be in Parenthesis - eg (people with substance
disorders).
Families Helping Families is an initiative of the Port Alberni Community Action Team. We regularly send out "Learning Moment" articles to help folks understand substance disorders or concurrent disorders. Knowledge is vital in understanding these disorders of our family members. You may copy, distribute or share our articles as long as you retain the attribution. Add yourself to our distribution list by dropping us a note at - albernihelp@gmail.com
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