The US defense secretary has come under scrutiny for failing to promptly notify the White House of his recent prostate-cancer diagnosis and associated hospitalization, a breach of protocol.
But writer Lloyd J. As a cabinet member, Austin III faces certain expectations about what should be made public about his health, and when, mental health professionals who work with patients with serious illnesses, such as cancer, say reciting is common — even when it’s been overshared online.
“I see it all the time with my patients,” says Dr. Andrew Esch, senior education consultant at the Center for Advance Palliative Care, a national health care advocacy organization in New York City. “It’s very humane not to want to open yourself up for the world to see.”
There are many reasons people choose to keep their pain to themselves in some cases, experts say, but some are more common than others. Privacy can be a coping strategy, said Dr. Itay Danovich, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, said, especially in the early days of diagnosis when patients are overwhelmed with new information.
“There are different strategies we use to try and control things that are out of control,” he explained. A common technique we use is segmentation. Although compartmentalization or separation of certain thoughts and feelings is often impaired, it is adaptive, Dr. Danovich said. For example, it helps people focus on their careers when illness causes great stress.
Dr. Danovich warned, however, that if the episodes are too “deep and varied,” they may prevent people from getting the treatment they need. He provides an example of a patient who does not undergo follow-up testing for a suspected tumor because it is too stressful.
According to Steven Meyers, professor and chair of the psychology department at Roosevelt University in Chicago, others may struggle with expressing how vulnerable it feels to disclose pain. They may find that there is a stigma that is open to their scrutiny.
“Some people see being healthy and physically fit as very central to their role or identity,” he said. “Those people have more difficulty publicly acknowledging feelings of diminishment in their self-esteem. Those people are more concerned about being a burden to others.”
According to Dr. Jesse Phan, MD, medical director of psychiatry and psychology at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, cultural and generational factors can influence disclosure decisions. He said he’s seen a general trend in young adults who are immersed in social media and are more likely to talk about their illness.
On the other hand, Mr. Austin, 70, is “very private.”
Although the experts are not willing to prescribe the conditions under which anyone should “share”, they said that some factors may influence the decision. Some of the most powerful arguments for defining health are related to maintaining your own health.
“I always verify a person’s need for privacy, whatever the reason,” Dr. Fan said. But I explain that keeping their test results completely confidential or not being able to talk about it makes it harder for them to ask for help when they need it – very realistically, you’re worried about going to therapy or finding an ear when you’re grieving.”
A cleft lip can lead to social isolation.
“Loneliness has a significant impact on how well a patient can live with any illness,” Dr. Esh said. “The burden of secrecy contributes to a lot of stress, anxiety and depression.
But another consideration, Dr. Meyer says, is that other people’s right to know, in addition to how keeping illness private affects personal safety, is not absolute.
“Not everyone should know the details of anyone’s confidential medical condition,” he said. You can describe a disease to your friend, but do not go into the list of your treatment; Or you can talk to your employer about a life-changing diagnosis, but only if you have some time to discuss a long-term plan with your doctor. (all in all , Most employees do not need it to share personal health information)
Dr. Meyers recommends asking yourself: Is this person a “stakeholder” or just a “bystander” when it comes to your life and well-being? The audience does not have the right to “know” much, but the stakeholders are affected, and this should be considered.
In other words, you may want to tell your immediate family about a diagnosis, but not your entire social network.
“Disclosure can be a very positive thing for people who are fortunate enough to have other people who provide support, help and care in their work and personal lives,” Dr. Meyer said. But each individual must evaluate the psychological safety and practicality of exposure.