I had a terrible stigma incident. When I went inpatient in December, the psych nurse who treated me in the er was kind for awhile. I told her my bipolar diagnosis and that I was coming off mania. I explained I had been self harming because I thought I was a bad person and that I have been experiencing incredibly low depression. Again sympathetic concern from her. Near the end of the evaluation she asked about me being a grad student and asked what I was studying. My teeth are chattering from fear. I have no one with me. I had to check in by myself. So I tell her I am training to be an elementary school teacher. One of a very few bright spots in the past months was getting to work in a classroom. When the psych nurse heard this, she freaks out and starts questioning me about this. I didn't understand and started telling her about the kids and how I felt better and stable in a chaotic classroom. She is getting visibly alarmed. Finally she asks accusingly, "do you really think that's a good idea...you....with little children?" I was horrified. Bipolar doesn't mean I am a child abuser. I can't remember what I stammered back. I was really fundamentally shaken by this. She left the room and I sit terrified for well over an hour by myself. She never checks on me even though I told her I was self-harming.
That night I cried and paced for hours. I kept telling myself "I would never hurt a child." I felt so awful and sick and twisted and despicable.
I never saw her again. The two friends who visited me the next day said this was ridiculous accusation that I am patient and kind with kids and not to let it bother me. One of my specialities is working with kids with special needs and learning disabilities. But it deeply troubled me.
When I was released I told my counselor who was very displeased with that nurse's whole line of questioning and particularly her implication at a time I was fragile and hurting.
So yeah stigma sucks. Particularly when it comes from someone who should know better.