No Fear of Death, But What About Health?

As a child, I found myself intrigued by the way my parents and grandparents approached their health. I couldn't help but notice their frustration with certain limitations, yet there was something peculiar about how they viewed their health issues. Diabetes, heart conditions - these weren't just medical terms to me, but part of our family's daily life. But why did they seem to treat these serious conditions as mere inconveniences?

I remember being particularly fascinated by their casual attitude towards mortality. It was as if they had made peace with death in a way I couldn't quite grasp. The memory of my Dad's response to a doctor's advice still echoes in my mind: "Well, at least I'll die happy," he said when the doctor suggested changing his diet and cutting out cigarettes. This acceptance of death, seemingly at the expense of their own health, left me wondering - what about the rest of us who love them?

This perspective has always piqued my curiosity. What drives this mindset? Could it be a deep-rooted faith in religion, perhaps? The idea that our health is in God's hands, absolving us of responsibility? Or is it a form of learned helplessness, a belief that change is impossible? Maybe there's a distrust of medical systems at play? 

In many collectivist cultures, I've observed that death is often treated with a sense of inevitability, even acceptance. It's seen as a natural part of life, no more extraordinary than birth. Which leaves me wondering - how does this "no big deal" attitude towards death influence individual health behaviors? And more intriguingly, how does it shape our perception of our own well-being and mortality?

These questions have me deeply invested, and I find myself eager to explore them further. What do you think? Have you observed similar attitudes in your own family or culture?

It's interesting  to consider how our cultural backgrounds shape our views on health and mortality. In many collectivist cultures, I've noticed that the individual's role in the community often takes precedence over personal autonomy. Some families tend to see health and illness through a collective lens rather than as a purely personal experience. 

I've often wondered about the impact of being taught to prioritize family over personal desires, even when it comes to health decisions. This cultural perspective seems to offer comfort through its communal design, but I can't help but ponder its other effects. Does it perhaps foster a sense of detachment or resignation towards death? It's as if there's an acceptance of aging and illness as natural occurrences that don't need to be aggressively fought or avoided – death is simply part of the cycle. While this perception might reduce anxiety about death, I'm curious about how it might create passive attitudes towards managing health issues. If dying is seen as no big deal, how does that affect our approach to preventive care, mental health services, or seeking medical advice for chronic conditions? I wonder if these important aspects of health care might be delayed or ignored because they feel less relevant in the grand scheme of life and death. I'm particularly intrigued by how this passive stance might affect situations where early action is crucial for improving quality of life or extending life expectancy.

As someone who was diagnosed with diabetes in my 30s, I often reflect back on how family messages have been very passive or even sometimes shameful towards medical education and if I wasn’t a “cyclebreaker”, would these health issues continue to be passively passed down? I think about the generational and physical harm that continues to be unaddressed, not just in physical health but mental health as well. When we view death as inevitable and not a matter of personal control, does it diminish our motivation to take proactive measures? 

The Emotional Void of Health

There's also an emotional aspect to this cultural approach that I find interesting. Could it create an emotional disconnect when it comes to personal suffering? I've observed that many individuals from collectivist cultures might feel a sense of shame or guilt for focusing on their health needs, especially when their family's well-being is perceived as more important. It's a fascinating paradox – health and longevity are valued, but not actively pursued due to underlying cultural norms. 

I worry this emotional disconnect can create a cycle of neglect. Individuals might not reach out for help when dealing with depression, chronic pain, or other health issues because these struggles are viewed as an inevitable part of life. Suffering is normalized, and the idea of improving quality of life through self-care can feel foreign or unnecessary.

Shifting this narrative requires a compassionate approach to reframing the conversation about health and wellness within our families and cultures. This shift involves recognizing that valuing one’s health does not equate to undermining cultural values. It’s about finding a balance—honoring the collective while advocating for individual well-being. 

Here’s my reflection for you if identify as the family cycle breaker or grew up in a collectivist culture that has similar views surrounding health and death: 

What if we could find a way to reframe the conversation about health and wellness within collectivist cultures? Could we discover a balance between honoring collective values and advocating for individual well-being? Could taking an active role in medical education and health break generational health concerns for families? What tools or resources are needed? What does generational healing look like to you?

Remembering our ancestors and their strength,

Adrianna