Chronic illness

The Rise of Shame Culture and Why It Matters Shame culture is not new, but it has become louder, more pervasive, and more socially acceptable, especially online. I see it in comment sections, in therapy rooms, in medical offices, and increasingly in spaces that are supposed to be supportive. Shame often disguises itself as advice, truth telling, or “just being honest.” It can be subtle, unintentional, and deeply harmful. I hear it in phrases like, “I don’t understand how some