Millennials and the Decline of the Stigma

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A month ago, I spoke with Jason Baranello, who, at 32, happens to be a Millennial (someone born into a generation thought to have born between 1982 and 2004*, though some consensus data differ slightly) .He was diagnosed with tonic-clonic epilepsy when he was 19… and didn’t know about the stigma.In fact, 13 years later, and having never hid his epilepsy, he still hasn’t experienced one.
Our conversation stuck with me.Jason is a smart person who is completely aware of the complex interplay of truth, myths, and social constructs around him.He had his first seizure when in college and has had a full life, enjoying controlled epilepsy. He is thoroughly integrated into society, one that he reports never makes him feel diminished when he tells any of its members about his epilepsy.“They’re supportive,” he says.What, then, is so different about…
A month ago, I spoke with Jason Baranello, who, at 32, happens to be a Millennial (someone born into a generation thought to have born between 1982 and 2004*, though some consensus data differ slightly) .He was diagnosed with tonic-clonic epilepsy when he was 19… and didn’t know about the stigma.In fact, 13 years later, and having never hid his epilepsy, he still hasn’t experienced one.
Our conversation stuck with me.Jason is a smart person who is completely aware of the complex interplay of truth, myths, and social constructs around him.He had his first seizure when in college and has had a full life, enjoying controlled epilepsy. He is thoroughly integrated into society, one that he reports never makes him feel diminished when he tells any of its members about his epilepsy.“They’re supportive,” he says.What, then, is so different about…