Posted on by skylarstarnes
Turner Syndrome (TS) and other chronic conditions can become a large part of one’s identity, but the Turner Syndrome Foundation (TSF wants) individuals with TS to know that they are so much more than their diagnosis!
Labels reflect how people think about others and themselves. They not only influence how a personal identity is created but also allow for recognition that others have different qualities. They aid people in understanding differences in needs, culture, and personalities. Labels can also reflect positive characteristics, set useful expectations, and provide meaningful goals. At the same time, labeling can create misunderstandings and stereotypes. Whether good or bad, labeling has an important influence on identity and society.
Despite their usual negative reputation, labels are not always a bad thing. There are many positive effects of labeling. Labels can allow people to find a sense of belonging and power with people with whom they relate. By taking a label that was once viewed as negative and reclaiming it, these groups are able to reestablish their power.
Support for people with specific labels can be found more easily. By accepting the label as a person with TS, the individual can find a community that understands the challenges they are facing. They can find others who can offer moral support or advice on dealing with symptoms and challenges.
While there are positive effects to labels, there are also negative effects. Labels can shape expectations that are set for other people, creating stereotypes. These stereotypes can result in unrealistic expectations or expecting less from someone despite what they are capable of. For example, someone could expect a person who is Asian to be good at math, even if they aren’t. This could also lead someone to think that a person who is disabled can’t have a job.
Research has shown labeling someone with a mental disorder can lead to a negative outcome, including feelings of rejection and discrimination. All of this can lead to the worsening of the mental disorder and the person’s overall mental health.
One of the long-term effects of labeling is that the label becomes the source of identification. According to the paper The Impact of Labeling in Childhood on the Sense of Self of Young Adults, by Rosemary Solomon, “stigma associated with the label [results] in isolation/rejection from society, lowered expectations, self-blame/guilt and emotional distress.” Solomon also explained that, as a result of a negative label given to a person by a family member or friend, they developed strained relationships.
Shaking a label or stereotype is not an easy process, but it is quite fulfilling. Start by trying some of the strategies below.
While labels have both good and bad effects, it is important to understand that you are more than the words that describe you. As author Collin Wright wrote in his book Act Accordingly: “Labels help define you, but they are not you.”
You are more than just a religion, a race, a gender, or a medical diagnosis. You are a person with a collection of many unique and amazing characteristics and qualities!
Written by Skylar Starnes, volunteer TSF blog writer. Edited by Liz Donner, volunteer TSF blog editor, and Susan Herman, volunteer TSF lead blog editor.
©Turner Syndrome Foundation 2021
Category: Educator Cognition & Learning, Latest Articles, Parent/Caregiver, Patient Tags: Advocacy, Health
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2022feb1:00 amfeb(feb 28)11:59 pmIt's February Awareness Month!Month Long Event (february)
February is Turner Syndrome Awareness Month, a special opportunity to take action! Every February our community comes together to post, share, talk, and educate. We challenge you to take action
February is Turner Syndrome Awareness Month, a special opportunity to take action! Every February our community comes together to post, share, talk, and educate. We challenge you to take action this February – then keep the momentum going all year long!
Month Long Event (february)
Fundraiser contest hosted by Doreen Sullivan. Raising $2000 -$1,000 of the proceeds will benefit TSF - $1,000 paid out to winners Setting up this football pool to have some fun, win some money (perhaps)
more
Fundraiser contest hosted by Doreen Sullivan.
Raising $2000
-$1,000 of the proceeds will benefit TSF
– $1,000 paid out to winners
Setting up this football pool to have some fun, win some money (perhaps) and support a good cause!
Select your boxes here. Donating $25 per box:
https://superbowlpoolsite.com/contest/462473
Doreen Squares Contest is an online squares contest created for free at Super Bowl Pool Site.
This contest was created by Doreen Sullivan. This fundraiser is a proceeds benefit hosted by an individual, and not by TSF. If you have any questions about this contest, please direct those questions via email to the commissioner at drs0908@aol.com
Rules: https://superbowlpoolsite.com/rules/462473
Month Long Event (january)
Month Long Event (january)
Card artists are invited to donate cards for the February Awareness Month annual card auction! World renowned artists, and enthusiasts, have joined together to support Lori Kobular's fundraiser for Turner
Card artists are invited to donate cards for the February Awareness Month annual card auction! World renowned artists, and enthusiasts, have joined together to support Lori Kobular’s fundraiser for Turner Syndrome Awareness. You can help Lori to reach her fundraising goals again this year. Lori is asking for your generous support to make this event a continued tremendous success. The cards will be awarded to the highest bidder!
The event is being organized by Lori Kobular on Instagram @mulchlady6 or email: lkobular@tsfusa.org.
1 (Wednesday) 9:00 am - 28 (Tuesday) 11:59 pm
2023thu09feb8:00 pmAdvocacy Working GroupSign up to network and advocate for TS8:00 pm EDT
Join the Advocacy Working Group! Communicating with national lawmakers is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness and influence widespread change. We are accepting applications for this working
Join the Advocacy Working Group! Communicating with national lawmakers is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness and influence widespread change. We are accepting applications for this working group. Sign up below.
The advocacy working group meets on Thursday evenings 8PM EDT.
Note: There will be no meeting on November 3, 2022.
(Thursday) 8:00 pm
Awareness Committee will meet the third Wednesday of each month to rally, brainstorm and plan for awareness outreach and impact. If you would like to be part of the committee,
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Awareness Committee will meet the third Wednesday of each month to rally, brainstorm and plan for awareness outreach and impact. If you would like to be part of the committee, please complete a volunteer application and let us know you wish to be part of the committee. If you have already submitted a volunteer application, email kholly@tsfusa.org to let her know that you would like to be part of the working committee. Link to Join: https://turnersyndromefoundation.org/volunteer_take_action/talent-application/
Why join this committee? 1- You can make a difference 2- You all meet some really great people 3- You will hone new skills & learn more about the mission. Gaining experience through doing is good for the mission and for you, too!
Thank you to everyone who is part of the awareness committee. We are so glad that you are here!
(Wednesday) 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
2023thu16feb8:00 pmAdvocacy Working GroupSign up to network and advocate for TS8:00 pm EDT
Join the Advocacy Working Group! Communicating with national lawmakers is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness and influence widespread change. We are accepting applications for this working
Join the Advocacy Working Group! Communicating with national lawmakers is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness and influence widespread change. We are accepting applications for this working group. Sign up below.
The advocacy working group meets on Thursday evenings 8PM EDT.
Note: There will be no meeting on November 3, 2022.
(Thursday) 8:00 pm
2023thu23feb8:00 pmAdvocacy Working GroupSign up to network and advocate for TS8:00 pm EDT
Join the Advocacy Working Group! Communicating with national lawmakers is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness and influence widespread change. We are accepting applications for this working
Join the Advocacy Working Group! Communicating with national lawmakers is one of the most effective ways to raise awareness and influence widespread change. We are accepting applications for this working group. Sign up below.
The advocacy working group meets on Thursday evenings 8PM EDT.
Note: There will be no meeting on November 3, 2022.
(Thursday) 8:00 pm
Join in on a night of conversation, building connections, sharing stories and coloring together with friends! Socialize, have fun & introduce your pets to the Star Sisters community! What you'll need:
more
Join in on a night of conversation, building connections, sharing stories and coloring together with friends! Socialize, have fun & introduce your pets to the Star Sisters community!
What you’ll need: Get comfy – relax in the comfort of home to meet & share with friends!
Being a Star Sisters is a way to connect with others in the Turner syndrome community to share honest experiences and form a sisterhood of positivity. This is an opportunity to raise awareness while receiving support. All meet-ups and events occur online – so anyone personally affected by TS, almost anywhere can participate!
Star Sister’s enjoy these benefits offered freely to all who join.
If you are new to TSF and wish to join Star Sisters, sign up here: https://turnersyndromefoundation.org/living/star-sisters/star-sisters-application/
(Friday) 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Theme: Organization by Organic Themes.
©2022 Copyright Turner Syndrome Foundation - All rights Reserved.
Awesome
I was born with ts and have always felt shame on telling anyone about my condition
Tracy, I felt the same way most of my life, but in recent years, I have been very open about it. It has been so liberating to tell my story and get support from others with TS. Please know that you are enough and wonderful just the way you are! I encourage you to check out our private, online group Star Sisters, where you can meet other people like us: https://turnersyndromefoundation.org/living/star-sisters/.