FLASH focuses on stigmatization.
13 participants have been part of our reading and writing workshops. They have read texts from well-known Danish authors and then written their own texts based on the day's topic. The result is 13 fine texts. The purpose was to have stories told by ordinary people at risk of liver disease.
In the last 10 years, we have started talking more about stigmatization and its consequences. There is no mutual understanding between healthcare professionals and patients if people experience stigmatization, such as for alcohol abuse or obesity.
Some diseases can be openly discussed, while others are preferably kept hidden. Some diseases are affected by stigmatization, and unfortunately, it has consequences for the person who becomes ill.
Stigmatization directly affects the individual, affecting both physical and mental health – people simply delay seeking medical help. Unfortunately, it is also a barrier to prioritizing the area of the disease.
We believe such stigmatization can be reduced by showing other, more creative sides of people. Alcohol abuse, obesity, and diabetes can all lead to liver disease, and for liver disease to be detected earlier than it currently happens in Denmark, mutual understanding between patients, doctors, and society must increase.
Together with the Department for Culture and Language at SDU, we have used the written word to start the conversation, increase openness, and break down barriers.
Together, we have organized several reading and writing workshops for patients with alcohol overuse, obesity, or diabetes. A literary text by an author was read, and participants themselves wrote creative texts that put life into perspective. Each participant has read one of their texts aloud in the sound studio, illustrations by artist Clara Jetsmark.
In addition, some of our participants have shared their experiences with stigmatization in the Danish healthcare system. Under the StigmaStories tab on this website, you can learn more, and find and listen to all the texts and stories.
Some diseases can be openly discussed, while others are preferably kept hidden. Some diseases are affected by stigmatization, and unfortunately, it has consequences for the person who becomes ill.
Stigmatization directly affects the individual, affecting both physical and mental health – people simply delay seeking medical help. Unfortunately, it is also a barrier to prioritizing the area of the disease.
We believe such stigmatization can be reduced by showing other, more creative sides of people. Alcohol abuse, obesity, and diabetes can all lead to liver disease, and for liver disease to be detected earlier than it currently happens in Denmark, mutual understanding between patients, doctors, and society must increase.
Together with the Department for Culture and Language at SDU, we have used the written word to start the conversation, increase openness, and break down barriers.
Together, we have organized several reading and writing workshops for patients with alcohol overuse, obesity, or diabetes. A literary text by an author was read, and participants themselves wrote creative texts that put life into perspective. Each participant has read one of their texts aloud in the sound studio, illustrations by artist Clara Jetsmark.
In addition, some of our participants have shared their experiences with stigmatization in the Danish healthcare system. Under the StigmaStories tab on this website, you can learn more, and find and listen to all the texts and stories.