What strategies can help maintain your sense of self-worth when faced with someone or some institution discriminating against you?

Support system 

It is so important to have a strong support system behind you when maintaining your self-worth when faced with someone or some institution discriminating against you. Family and friends will always be there to back you up or help talk things out to know what it the best decision. They can solidify that you’re not crazy, or that you might be crazy (Rose Roth). You need to take a hard look at yourself and then know when is the right time to reach out to those you are close with, explain your situation and see why you are involved with these people. Most importantly, you should surround yourself with people who care about you no matter what and that can continue to support you through the toughest times.

Self-care 

It is extremely important to maintain your self-care. One great thing to consider is to continuously do things that empower you. This goes along with always having a strong understanding of who you are in order to help you realize what brought you to this institution. Rose Roth brought up a great point by saying, "You should realize why you are involved with this institution and the people you surround yourself with (why you're there, what brought you there in the first place)". Let yourself learn your strengths and what you can engage in to make yourself understand how important you are. Most importantly, show yourself and everyone else that no matter what they say it doesn't matter, the only thing that matters is showing them that you are above them and you won't let anyone tear you down.

Go to the company

If you are having problems within your company you should first begin by making sure that everyone takes you seriously, step up and support yourself, showing them that this is not something to be laughed at or deflected. It is important to stand up to the negativity and show that you are better than what they are doing to you. "Talk to the people that you think will make a difference in how you feel, whatever is going on, just let people know. You should talk to someone to see if you can get it resolved with that person that is causing the issue" (Mindy Woolf). If all else fails, go to the HR department within your company to see what they suggest you should do next.

This page was developed from interviews with:

Rose Roth, Mindy Woolf, Hanna O'Hara, Rhonda Wright