#Positively Stressed - Week 6
This week, people and organizations around the world observed #WorldCancerDay, embracing the theme "United by Unique." But what does this truly mean?
Hunter “Patch” Adams once said, “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you’ll win, no matter the outcome.” This quote resonates deeply when we think about how stress affects those facing life-changing diagnoses.
For those of us who’ve either been diagnosed with or supported someone through severe medical challenges, the journey often begins with the stress of getting to a diagnosis, not just the diagnosis itself. And that’s even before the stress of treatment begins.
But why is it so stressful? Many people don’t want their personal struggles to become public knowledge or to be judged by others. They don’t want to be treated differently because of their condition.
Take the 1980s and 90s, for instance, when HIV/AIDS was wrongly assumed to only affect the LGBTQ+ community. In a time when significant stigmas existed around being LGBTQ+, this led to isolation, job loss, and rejection from loved ones and community organizations. For many, being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS meant being “outed” in ways that compounded the stress of an already difficult situation.
Thankfully, we've made progress toward greater acceptance of our LGBTQ+ communities, but the journey is far from over, and there's still much work to do—especially in supporting those who currently or have served our country with honor in uniform.
Another layer of stress comes from the diagnostic journey itself. Multiple rounds of tests, often requiring coordination with doctors, insurance, and transportation—on top of managing work, childcare, household issues, and relationships. I can personally relate as a single doctor’s visit for me can take up 2-3 hours when you factor in travel, waiting, and the appointment itself. Now imagine doing that over months, just trying to get answers—and then doing it all over again for treatment.
The good news is that more healthcare providers are now connected to national and local #PeerSupport networks for those facing significant diagnoses. There are even groups for family members navigating the process! And if you can't find a group in your area, you can start one yourself.
Let’s continue to support each other, share our experiences, and be a source of encouragement for those on this challenging journey.
By: Stephen Delcuze, Esq. - Found on LinkedIn here.
