Health and one’s wellbeing are a complex and important set of topics, especially in the field of medicine. There are many factors that contribute to a person’s state, both physical and mental, and it is the job of a healthcare professional to discern and control these factors. One of the most prominent concepts in this discussion is the health-illness continuum (Wellness-Illness Continuum), which is used to describe and better understand the condition of one’s body and mind (Well People, n.d.). The continuum is useful when trying to gauge a person’s health, as it cannot be accurately determined in binary terms like “healthy” or “ill”. This paper seeks to examine the concept of the health-illness continuum and its importance in healthcare and nursing.
First of all, one must discuss the importance of understanding the continuum in patient care, health, and human experience. As a concept, the health-illness continuum describes a person’s wellbeing on a scale, with varying degrees of both wellness and illness (Well People, n.d.). This approach helps bring attention to the fact that an individual’s health is always shifting and getting better or worse with each change, no matter how minor. When health professionals examine the patient from this angle, it emphasizes the importance of their every action and shifts the focus towards caring for patients’ overall wellbeing. An individual’s prosperity and happiness are fundamentally at the core of a doctor’s work, and one should always strive to help others with their efforts. Such motivation should be the basis for patient care with the health care provider trying to prevent illnesses and promote wellness as a way to combat diseases, while giving attention to a person’s mental state as well.
Secondly, it is important to discuss the impact of the health-illness continuum on promoting human betterment and flourishing. Human flourishing is a term used to describe the process of self-fulfillment and self-actualization as a way of improving one’s physical and mental health (National League for Nursing, 2014). For many people, their “health” only concerns their physical body and its state, which may lead to underestimating or ignoring the non-physical aspects of being ill. One of the goals of a healthcare professional is to explain and reinforce the human value and the essential nature of mental wellbeing and promote activities that enrich and expand one’s life capabilities. Furthermore, the patient’s poor mental health and emotional state can often lead to physical complications or slower recovery. Explaining the importance of their feelings can help them re-contextualize their inner troubles and recover faster. This facet of patient care is critical to fast and efficient work and should be kept in mind when communicating with patients.
As for me, I think that the state of my health in the context of the health-illness continuum leans more towards wellness. I do not have any chronic illnesses or conditions that impede my life functions, and I am not currently ill. However, I would say that I engage in practices that are detrimental to my wellbeing and physical health. I often do not sleep enough and have trouble keeping my schedule regular. I also spend much time sitting in front of a computer screen, which is bad for both my back and eyesight. Frequently eating sugary and sweet foods also proves to be bad for my overall health, and the lack of exercise only exacerbates the problem. In regards to mental health, I am often anxious and have trouble feeling excitement or thinking in positive terms. Considering all of the above, my shortcomings are apparent, but I do try to improve my condition in various ways. I often urge myself to spend more time with my family and friends, taking part in various bonding activities. Furthermore, I engage in creative tasks, such as drawing, writing, or making origami to make my life more fulfilling.
Lastly, I would like to discuss the ways of making myself move towards the wellness of the mind and body. I think a positive addition to my current regimen would be exercise or other kinds of physical routine. I am not particularly fond of physical training, but something simple and regular to keep me in better shape would drastically increase my energy resources and may even make me healthier. Another idea I actively consider is visiting a psychologist or a similar health professional. There are many things that I would like to discuss with somebody qualified in the mental health area, as I think it would help me to better understand both myself and patients. I think that it is important for a person to be in touch with their emotions and feelings, as they are what often guides us in the day-to-day life. Another step in the right direction on the wellness spectrum would be to find more ways to self-actualize. As it stands, I do have a few hobbies, but I think adopting some more would be a good use of my time and skills.
References
National League for Nursing. (2014). Practical/vocational program outcome: Human flourishing [PDF document]. Web.
Well People. (n.d.). A new vision of wellness. 2020, Web.