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Effects of a positive attitude
I've been doing some research on the effects of a positive attitude during cancer treatment(s). The number crunchers seem to believe that a positive attitude has little or no effect on the total outcome of the patient. I'm not sure I agree with this, but even if it is true I believe the positive effects of an increased quality of life are worth efforts to keep a positive attitue. My personal experience is that my own positive attitude and desire to fight the dreaded disease had a great impact on my positive outcome (so far). Any comments, personal experiences or thoughts about this? Good luck, God bless and keep the faith...
David
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John H MOD on -
I have heard the same results from the number crunchers. I can believe this to a point. I know you can want to feel better. Can you will yourself better? In my humble opinion yes! But do you need one to survive? I'm not positive that you do. Haha you will however have a better quality of life I truly believe.
Hey I can be one miserable SOB when I want to be but it's true you get more flies with honey than vinegar. And in that vien I think people are more likely to want to help you and give you that little extra.
Not very scientific but in my opinion based on my circumstances. I'm here 12 years later I guess it works for me.
John
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Permalink Reply by AmyLCA on -
Hi David,
There may be a more subtle side to this.
There is a LOT of evidence that depression and other mental health problems and inadequate social support result in increased illness and death. I think sometimes when people say "oh, you just have to think positively," just that simple message on the surface probably won't help unless that type of thinking decreases stress and anxiety - which it might, of course. Sometimes when a person tries to have a "positive attitude," they might feel more inclined to stay active or spend time with friends and family or eat healthy, which all can contribute to decreased stress which in turn can improve our body's ability to fight illness.
Does that make sense?
There was a woman I knew once who claimed she would not get the flu if she just "thought positively." It annoyed me a bit because the message is that you have more control over your health than you really might: if I just "think positively" then I won't die, but if I die it's because I didn't think positively enough? I don't buy it.
BUT, there are lots of psychological and social factors in determining our health outcomes, and that's definitely worth looking at!
So, when you say you have a "positive attitude," what does that mean? What do you do on a daily basis? HOW does one "think positively"?
Thanks for bringing this up. It's an interesting question!
Amy
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Permalink Reply by Eshively on -
I've thought about the mental, psychological aspect as well. In my case, it is especially complicated because at the time I was diagnosed with lung cancer, I had already be grieving for my wife for a little more than a year. So I was already sad. I don't know whether my grief contributed to the cancer, but I do know it adds to the sadness and anxiety of having cancer.
But I do have a support system--my wife and I had two kids and I have a number of good friends and neighbors. I tell myself, "Louise would want me to go on and be a good fatther and grandfather.' That's what I'm trying to do.
Eric
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Permalink Reply by DavidatpMOD on
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Good for you Ericl, I'm sure Louise is proud of you. Good luck, God bless and keep the faith...
David
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