My son had recently undergone a major dental surgery which made him unable to chew food for weeks so he survived on soup and smoothie. The lack of carbohydrates in his food and being at home all the time for three weeks made him frustrated and irritable.
He would frequently ruminate about his condition and how he should not have agreed to the operation.
Despite reassurance from his doctors, he remained in a negative mood most of the time. I tried to take him for long walks so he could vent his feelings, but I guess one cannot be a therapist for his son.
This made me reflect on the concept of illness behaviour — a term used to describe how individuals perceive, interpret, and respond to their health conditions. It includes how people recognise symptoms, seek medical help, adhere to treatment, and emotionally react to illness.
While some may approach illness with resilience and optimism, others may struggle with anxiety, frustration, or even denial, which can impact their overall recovery.
My son’s reaction to his dental surgery was a clear example of how illness behaviour can influence one’s experience of recovery. Despite receiving medical reassurance, he remained emotionally distressed, focusing on his temporary discomfort rather than the healing process. This preoccupation with his symptoms and the regret over his decision to undergo surgery created a mental barrier that prolonged his distress and affected his mood.
Illness behaviour is shaped by several factors, including personality, past medical experiences, cultural beliefs and social support. Some individuals, often termed health seekers, take an active role in their recovery by following medical advice, maintaining a positive outlook, and engaging in self-care.
Others, sometimes referred to as illness affirmers, may dwell on their symptoms, fearing the worst, or even developing avoidance behaviours that delay healing.
The way a person interprets their illness also plays a crucial role. Cognitive biases, such as catastrophising (assuming the worst possible outcome) or selective attention (focusing solely on symptoms while ignoring signs of improvement), can significantly increase distress. In my son’s case, his frustration with the temporary dietary restrictions and isolation led him to ruminate on his condition rather than recognise his gradual healing.
Research in health psychology suggests that a proactive approach to illness can speed up recovery. Engaging in normal activities as much as possible, seeking social support, practising relaxation techniques, and maintaining realistic expectations about recovery can help mitigate negative illness behaviour. Conversely, persistent worry, self-pity, or withdrawal from routine activities can prolong the psychological and even physical burden of illness.
Family members and healthcare professionals play a crucial role in shaping illness behaviour. While reassurance from doctors is essential, emotional support from loved ones can be equally impactful.
Encouraging professional counselling or peer support groups may sometimes be necessary for individuals struggling with the emotional impact of illness.
Ultimately, illness behaviour is not just about physical symptoms; it is about mindset and coping strategies. Having a balanced perspective by acknowledging discomfort while focusing on progress enables patients to enhance their resilience and improve their overall recovery experience. Recognising and addressing negative illness behaviour early can transform a challenging healing journey into one marked by patience, acceptance and eventual relief.
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