There are Problems, and then there are Health Problems

How often have you heard someone say, ‘Your Health is Your Wealth’? I imagine pretty often. It usually comes when bad news begins to circulate, for example someone you know gets a diagnosis or passes away. It puts things into perspective, and makes you realise how lucky you are to be in the position that you’re in. At least for a short time. However, for a lot of people that perspective doesn’t last too long.

We are in the most privileged position that we have ever been in in terms of food abundance, healthcare and medication. The causes of death and illness are extremely different now to what they were 100 years ago. The primary killer used to be infectious disease, but now due to massive strides in science and healthcare, it is chronic illness. Although this is most definitely a net positive, it has contributed to many other problems along the way.

Our ancestors would likely laugh, or cry hysterically, if they saw the things that a lot of people get down or frustrated about in the current day. Things that they let ruin their day, even if it is completely outside of their control.

“The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control”

I’m sure you can think of some individuals close to you who let the slightest inconvenience ruin their day. I know I can. Things that they can’t do anything about to change, yet it occupies all of their mental headspace.

Take two men for example, both of whom have the same job, the same commute and are attending the same meeting. One morning there is a car crash, which leads to a major traffic jam.

Man 1 starts getting frustrated and angry – his heart rate and blood pressure begin to rise. He starts to curse and shout. He drives closer to the car in front of him, trying to put pressure on him as if that will make any difference. It has ruined his day, how could something so awful happen? Why me?!

Man 2 is a complete contrast. He digests that there has been a crash, and he hopes that whoever is involved has not been injured. He is grateful that he wasn’t involved in the crash, that he is safe. He knows that the situation is completely outside of his control and there is nothing he can do, only wait for the traffic to pass. He knows his boss will understand that there’s nothing he could do about being late. He puts on his favourite radio station, rolls down the window, and sings along.

Now in isolation, these incidents might not seem like they had a massive effect. However, when these minor behaviours begin to compound over time, they make a real and tangible difference. Man 1 likely responds irrationally to multiple situations in his life which he has no control over. He is probably chronically stressed. Man 2 on the other hand, knows what is and is not inside his control. He stresses less and enjoys life more. For the sake of your own wellbeing, try to be more like Man 2.

“You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius

I don’t know about you, but there are many people in my life who have identical tendencies to Man 1. When I’m around them too often I can feel my own blood pressure start to rise.

…and then there’s Health Problems

If you (or someone you care about) have never had a serious diagnosis, then you are very privileged and you should be grateful. With advances in food, science and medicine, we are all living much longer. This leads to the presence of a lot more chronic illness in society. What’s also worrying, is that the rate of chronic illness diagnosis is also increasing in the younger population, so it is not solely due to age related risk.

If Man 1 considered how fortunate he is to be able to even drive – he isn’t blind, he has full cognitive function and full control of his limbs. This may have changed his full day. If he adopted this attitude on a daily basis, it would likely result in some major life changes.

Although, it is easier said than done. A lot of us can get caught up in the drama and minor inconveniences of our own lives. We stress about work, not getting a promotion, failing an exam, falling out with a friend, and so on. And that’s okay, we are allowed to feel a certain way about things that happen in our lives, but we shouldn’t let things like this ruin our day, or our week. We need to be able to accept these minor problems, learn from them, overcome them and move on.

If you have been unfortunate enough to get a bad diagnosis, or for a family member to get such diagnosis, you will be aware how every other problem pales in comparison to a health problem. When the diagnosis is given, time stops – everything else gets put on hold. Suddenly those other things you had been frustrated or worried about disappear.

Depending on your diagnosis – this may create a domino effect for a whole bunch of new problems. It puts an increased demand on you and your support system. It changes your daily life, your future. This will vary depending on your diagnosis, of course. It may be a simple as having to take medication once per day to manage, or it could be as severe as being terminally ill and having to accept you or your loved one doesn’t have much time left.

Different people have different priorities. If your health isn’t your number one priority now – it will be at some stage in the future. Such is life.

"We forget ourselves and our destinies in health, and the chief use of temporary sickness is to remind us of these concerns." — Ralph Waldo Emerson

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