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ASTHMA WEEK IS ON 1-7 SEPTEMBER
2.7 million of us are living with asthma (1 in 9). It is one of the top long-term health conditions affecting Aussies.
This year, we’re asking Australians to remove the stigma from asthma. Stigma is when someone views a person in a negative way because of their asthma. That’s thoughts like “it’s not that serious” or “they should take their puffer in private”. These thoughts can leave people with asthma feeling isolated or alone. It might even make people uncomfortable about taking their asthma medication in front of others.
When people with asthma feel supported, they manage their asthma better. In Australia, this could make a huge difference.
As part of this year’s Asthma Week, we undertook a survey about the common stigmas surrounding asthma. This survey reaffirmed the stigma that people with asthma face, particularly in the workplace and when taking their medications in public.
You can find our workplace statement here.
Workplace stigma leaving people with asthma confused about taking sick leave
When Susan* needed time off from her nursing work to deal with her asthma, she was told she was “stupid” to pursue a career in health care.
“I literally turn away or hide” - Stigma surrounding puffer use is a barrier to better treatment
This Asthma Week, Asthma Australia is confronting the stigmas around common devices used to treat asthma, including puffers and spacers. We also are exploring how people feel using these in public places.
6 ways to support a friend/co-worker with asthma
More than 2.7 million people in Australia have asthma – so the odds are that you live, work, study or play sport with a person who has asthma. The way you show support to them by accepting their asthma can play a big role in removing stigma they experience, especially in social or work settings.
Stigma, a hidden burden for people with asthma
Asthma Australia suggests that the first step to reversing the experiences of stigma related to health care is to consider a person-centred approach.