We all have a story. For many of us, our personal health history is a critically important part of that story. Why? Because both the challenges and triumphs involving the integrity of our bodies and minds shape the very core of who we are, the choices we make, what we value, and what we take for granted.
These days many people are afraid to share their personal health story with others. In our modern age of HIPAA and “protected health information” – alongside a rapidly dwindling sense of respect for privacy and rampant concern about social and occupational discrimination – this is not an unreasonable fear.
But what if, despite the risks (and whether they are imagined or real), sharing our “protected health information” (aka, our personal health story) with others is actually a valuable part of the healing process? What if it not only helps us heal individually – but collectively, too – while fostering trust, community, and ingenuity all at the same time?
This is a puzzling thought after decades of public policy actively discouraging us from talking openly about personal health matters. But I’m here to tell you that it’s true!
WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH SAY?
If you are someone who needs to see the hard, scientific evidence – it’s certainly out there. In fact, there’s an overwhelming body of evidence validating the healing power of sharing one’s personal struggles – health or otherwise – with others. For decades it has been well-known in addiction therapy that group-based programs in which people share their story are a vitally important component of therapy for people overcoming addictions, especially in terms of long-term outcomes.
The revelation that conventional healthcare has failed to grasp (despite the overflowing scientific consensus attesting to its truth) is that sharing one's health story is also an important medicine for people dealing with physical ailments. This is especially true when applied to individuals who are facing serious health problems as well as people making positive lifestyle changes.
As this article from Harvard Medical School points out, plenty of “research shows that emotional and social health is associated with a reduced risk of disease and premature death.” The same article goes on to report that, according to scientific research, support groups are a key ingredient of healing programs that are successful in getting people to make intensive changes to their lifestyle - changes that lead to transformative, sustainable healing.
A study of breast cancer survivors found that participation in support groups leads to improved quality of life, better emotional functioning, better body image, and a better overall perspective on life.
Another small study found that people suffering from fibromyalgia, breast cancer, and arthritis who participated in online support groups reported “being better informed; feeling confident in the relationship with their physician, their treatment, and their social environment” as well as “improved acceptance of the disease" and "increased optimism and control.” As a positive side-effect, they also enjoyed “enhanced self-esteem and social well-being” as a result of participation in support groups where they shared their personal health stories.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
In fact, the power of shared experience is a largely untapped healing resource. By opening up and being vulnerable enough to share our health story, struggles, and triumphs with others, we realize we are not alone, we get to learn from others “who’ve learned the hard way”, and we get heard in a way that few doctors these days seem to have time for.
Expressing this very personal experience also helps us to process it in a way that can yield new insights and release old frustrations, moving us forward on our journey to health. And it helps other people in the same way.
I'm not necessarily telling you to go onto your rooftop and shout out all of your protected health information to the world. But it is abundantly clear that, under the right circumstances, sharing your health story can actually improve your health and the health of others.
MY PERSONAL HEALTH STORY
In my personal (and professional) opinion, this openness to discussion of all types of personal struggles is a fundamental fabric of community and a foundation of health.
And to honor this particular foundation of health, I’d like to share my personal health story with you.
Like many people who have chosen to become a healthcare provider, I have faced and overcome major health crises throughout my life. When I was 16 years old I was diagnosed with severe depression. When I was 20 years old I attempted to get off of my antidepressant, ended up in the hospital, and suffered 6 straight months of Hell on Earth. When I Was 23 years old I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
In facing these health crises, I have learned that even the most serious health issues are, despite their detriment and discomfort, powerful opportunities to grow personally into happier, healthier versions of ourselves. It is because of my biggest health challenges – and my will to take responsibility over my own health in order to overcome them – that I am who I am today.
Indeed, sickness and disease is often a blessing in disguise. And it is up to you – and the attitude you choose to face it – whether an unfortunate diagnosis will ultimately be a blessing or a curse.
When I work with others my goal is to empower them to heal themselves, which absolutely requires recognizing and honoring this opportunity-in-disguise. I invite you to watch my upcoming video to learn about my own health story – the struggles that I overcame that set me on the path to becoming a naturopathic doctor – and how I draw from my personal experience with healing to help others Awaken the Healer Within. Stay tuned!