Diseases and Disorders: Should we really wear them like medals?

People feel proud of themselves when they accomplish something. Good grades on an exam, promotion, and even a good workout. Yet, when it comes to health issues why is it that some people feel proud of having fought them. Should they be considered as accomplishments? 

It may not be that common, yet people come across others who at any chance will “brag” about how they have fought cancer or how they have overcome a disorder to lead an amazing life. They have beaten the odds and fought the war of a true hero to be where they are, and everyone must know about it. They not only feel proud of themselves but they seek the applause and awe of all those around them. 

When does a disease or disorder become something to accomplish? Despite the tragic story, can such events, or period of time, really be counted as something someone has achieved from? An experience for sure. Becoming a stronger person, that too. Yet, these events in life were never a competition between us and others around us to begin with. They were not staged as a contest for us to win. 

The true reason for earning such a medal is how it is to be used afterwards. The stories and experiences are to be heard by others to learn and potentially overcome if encountered. 

Even now, many diseases and disorders are considered as taboo in any conversation. Awareness and conversations need to be had on topics such as mental health and cancer for the proper screening and diagnosis for many who do not feel the need to acknowledge them. Perhaps the greatest reward from the “accomplishment” of a health issue would be to educate others of the preventions and treatment of some commonly faced health hazards in our community.