How Personal Narratives Shape Health

   Why do personal stories matter? Personal narratives move people on a different level that facts can not. Whether it is managing stress, trying to quit a nasty habit, or getting vaccinated, people want a sense of community. Storytelling takes hard to absorb health information into relatable experiences, which can inspire change. 

    Storytelling isn't just a form of art, it is a science. Stories activate several different areas of the brain, including regions associated with emotions and memory. Additionally, our brains try and replicate the experiences we hear about. This allows for empathy, which is a key motivator for behavior change. The more we are pulled into a story, the more likely we are to take action or shift our current beliefs. 

    In recent years, there has been many examples of real life experiences. One of the most powerful storytelling campaign was #ThisIsMyShot, which was in reference to Covid-19 vaccine shots. This movement allowed for personal vaccine stories, especially from everyday people. This movement turn something that many people were nervous about into something they could relate to with thousands of others. 

    In a vast sea of health data and jargon, stories can cut through. They make people care, feel seen, challenge stima, and inspire action. To make a change is to be honest. And with that I will be ending this blog. Stay Truthful, Stay Connected. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Spotting Misleading Health Information

               With an uprise usage of social media and other platforms, medical information is more likely to get  skewed. Today, I will be discussing ways to weed out the misinformation and find reliable sources. The first way to identify reliable information is checking the source. Finding trusted federal sources are a good place to start such as the CDC. Once you identify the source, look at the authors who wrote the article. An individual with expertise in their chosen field such as medical professionals or scientist are more likely to have reliable information. After identifying your source, you should cross reference its information with other sources. Be aware of titles that play on your emotions, title that entice fear can often have its own agenda. Trusted health information should be based on strong, concise evidence that back its claim. Examine the article for contradictions to itself or other reputable sources. It is important to...
Read more

Fight the Stigma: Communication on Mental Health in Different Cultures

         While mental health is a universal issue, it is perceived and treated variously across different cultures. There are stigmas, misinformation, and cultural beliefs can cause barriers to seek help. Effective communication is essential in increasing treatment for mental health challenges. The first step in addressing these concerns is understanding cultural perceptions on mental health. In some cultures mental illnesses can be seen as a sign of weakness or being a failure. In others mental health concerns can be associated with spiritual or supernatural entities. Additionally, intense cultural expectations on independence and family honor can discourage individuals speaking up about their mental health concerns.  In addition to the cultural expectations, language can also become a barrier. Some cultures lack the words for mental conditions, making it harder to explain their concerns.           Stigma can be described as a...
Read more

Staying Mindful and Healthy

         While mental health is just as important as physical health, it can often get overlooked. Maintaining good mental health is crucial for reducing stress and leading an overall healthy life. Whether you are struggling with anxiety or just want to learn about small lifestyle changes that can make a huge impact, this guide is for you.                                                                                                                                                            ...
Read more