All of us know someone – possibly several someones – who we wish were a bit more proactive about their health. It may be that friend who simply won’t go to the doctor because “I’ll get better in my own time”, or the ones who will rebuff any question from you with “Don’t worry, I’m fine”, even when you can tell they’re not.
Often, these friends, loved ones, and family have the very best of intentions – they don’t want to worry us – but the fact that they don’t ever seem to worry just makes us all the more likely to experience mental stress.
It’s important to consider ways of getting these loved ones to be a bit more open about their health. The pandemic has taught many of us just how damaging it can be to treat any bout of ill-health as being “nothing” and why sometimes, making a fuss is actually the best thing you can do. If you know someone who has the habit of brushing off health questions, then the following tips could be beneficial in getting through to them.
Don’t Become a Broken Record
Encouraging a loved one to get help when they are resistant to it may take a while, and you need to be prepared for them to rebuff you more than once. It’s not a good idea, however, to just keep going at them, to pester them on a daily basis, or to turn every conversation around to matters of health.
If they can shut it down once, then they can get used to the rhythm of you asking again and again, and will say “no” without even thinking. Pick your moments, and acknowledge that you’ve mentioned this before, then lay out a reasoned case for them to see a healthcare professional. Listen to their response and acknowledge any misgivings they have.
Underline the Importance of Early Intervention
A lot of people will – fairly reasonably – say “I’m not going to the doctor with this issue; if it gets any worse, I’ll look at doing something, but not right now.”. It’s often these people who end up with no choice but to see a doctor when a minor issue has built into a major one. With issues such as cancer, strokes, heart problems, and more besides, “it getting worse” can be the point where the condition goes from being manageable to being fundamentally life-altering.
For someone who is dealing with aches and tiredness, booking a treatment at the likes of Phoenix Mens Health Center may not be the thing they most want to do right now, but it sure beats having to go anywhere in an ambulance. That’s just a fact.
Make It About You
It’s counterintuitive, but often a person choosing not to see a doctor – which can feel selfish from their loved ones’ perspective – is acting out of a complete lack of self-interest. If you can’t get them to be worried about them, then leaning on them to do it for you can work out better.
Explain to them that you find the uncertainty distracting and that your mind would be set at ease if they’d go and get checked out. This may give them the get-out clause they need so that it’s not about them – this appointment will be for you as much as anything. Is this a cynical approach? Maybe – but if it gets someone you love to pay attention to their health, it’s worth a little cynicism.
You will know the best approach to shedding light on the need for your friend or family member’s need to seek medical attention. There are just a few recommendations. I’d love to hear any others you may have up your sleeve!
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