Ignorance

As we navigate society, we encounter individuals who are uninformed about medical interventions. Most often, we find these individuals reluctant to take care of themselves, and they often cause more harm to their own well-being. They sometimes ignore medical advice out of fear of the unknown, and they distrust advice for their medical or mental health needs. These individuals are caught in the world of falsehoods and disinformation. As a result, these individuals are putting their health at risk.  It is quite common for them to be blinded by old, unfounded taboos or social media falsehoods. Sometimes it proves extremely difficult to break through to them when trying to help them understand what is best for them. This affects people from all over the world. In strong ethnic cultures, it is easier for them to seek the help of a local shaman, witch doctor, a social media nut, or even a faith healer. We have all met individuals similar to these people, even among our family and friends. I sometimes wonder why some people will ignore the advice of a family member who is a professional in the mental health or medical field. Is it a lack of trust, or mere ignorance, that prevents them from seeking the help they need? I believe they don't see you as a professional; you are only a family member, so they don't listen to you. Working against your best interest, actually does more harm than good. When the situation goes beyond their control, it is often too late for most people. Many find this frequently happening, and regrets often follow the path of self-destruction. As the old saying goes, we are our worst enemies; people's ignorance will only lead them down the wrong path in life.

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” 

– Mahatma Gandhi

“If you don’t do what’s best for your body, you’re the one who comes up on the short end.” 

– Julius Erving

“When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied.” 

– Herophilus

"Where there is ignorance, sickness will thrive."

- Osamu Tezuka

Science is the father of knowledge, but opinion breeds ignorance.

- Hippocrates

We sometimes find it difficult to understand family members and friends' reluctance to seek medical or mental health help. As we all have experienced this many times, the behavior of loved ones goes against social norms. Their disinclination and hesitation are often psychological in nature, even though they may display hypochondriatic behavior at times. The uncertainty is due to fear, fear of the outcome, or just a mere lack of understanding. Considering the psychological and emotional factors that prevent them from obtaining the help that they need, patience is required when intervening. Then again, your patience can be exhausted when expecting them to get help. Fear and anxiety run rampant among individuals who avoid care. The fear of the unknown alone can pollute their understanding of why care is required to enhance their well-being. The fear of just receiving bad news can be a justification they need for not seeking help. Also, social stigma is a huge roadblock for these individuals. Receiving medical or mental health care is often seen as embarrassing, like, What will people think?, which will rule their thoughts. Overall negative experiences can impact decision-making regarding care and will result in care avoidance. It will take time for individuals to resolve their hesitation when it comes to medical and mental health care. As much as we want the best for our loved ones, our best intentions may not be good enough.

"We should make it clear that getting help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength."

– Michelle Obama 

"So neither ought you to attempt to cure the body without the soul... for the part can never be well unless the whole is well"

— Plato

"To really know is science; to merely believe you know is ignorance."

— Hippocrates

"It's not what we don't know that gets us in trouble. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so." 

— Mark Twain

“Medical science has proven time and again that when the resources are provided, great progress in the treatment, cure, and prevention of disease can occur.”

— Michael J. Fox

When we see family members or friends suffering, it does get frustrating when they refuse to get the help they so much need. Especially in today's world of social media, most sources are not trustworthy regarding medical or mental health information. Take for example, those individuals who refuse to vaccinate themselves and their children.  They would rather risk the health and long-term well-being of those closest to them. By the time they reach some level of understanding, it is often too late. Intervention is warranted and needed, then again, at what cost? Your willingness to help, can and will impact the familial or friendship relationship, since you are going against their beliefs. The psychological mindset of individuals is convoluted with misinformation at the extreme, and the more you try to help, the more difficult it gets. Sometimes it might be best not to try to change them; maybe another person outside of the home environment may have a different approach. Social stigma, misinformation, and anxiety can all evolve over time when the right information finally breaks through. Even though it might seem that you are wasting much time and effort, giving up might or may not be the best solution. I do believe that some people's minds can change, if and only if they begin to understand what is truly best for them. Human ignorance towards medical and mental health interventions is common and can change, just like behavior can change over time.

"There are in fact two things, science and opinion. The former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance."

- Hippocrates

“There is no health without mental health; mental health is too important to be left to the professionals alone, and mental health is everyone’s business.” 

– Vikram Patel

“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” 

– Eleanor Brown

“The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.” 

– Abraham Maslow

“Wellness is a connection of paths: knowledge and action.” 

– Joshua Holtz