Stigma by the U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services

"WHAT IS STIGMA?

Stigma is not just a matter of using the wrong word or action. Stigma is about disrespect. It is the use of negative labels to identify a person living with mental illness. Stigma is a barrier. Fear of stigma, and the resulting discrimination, discourages individuals and their families from getting the help they need. An estimated 22 to 23 percent of the U.S. population experience a mental disorder in any given year, but almost half of these individuals do not seek treatment."

Now, substitute the words mental illness with "disability" or "chronic pain" or "fibromyalgia" or any number of other words that disabled people know and it also describes the STIGMA that are barriers and disrespect that we also experience. STIGMA is harmful no matter where it is directed.