I just saw this timely article on the connection between how we describe illness with words (what else?) and the possible consequences of those words on the way we experience the illness. It describes how the negative language that we use to describe cancer could lead a patient down a deadly road—even when in remission. It also talks about the way other illnesses are described and how language can powerfully influence illness and recovery.

I say this is a ‘timely’ article because this weekend on the Uncommon Knowledge hypnotherapy diploma course we are looking at the amazing power of expectation and placebo

Depression is sometimes described as an ‘illness’ or even a ‘disease’ as if there were a ‘depression gene’ you could be tested for. People living in third world countries suffering psychosis have a much better recovery rate than people living in the medicalized west where psychosis is seen as a ‘condition’ a word which implies permanence rather than a temporary possession by spirits. I’m not suggesting we view illness as possession but it’s interesting that this concept implies something that is not your core identity and not permanent.

Mark