The Human Health Experience: Teah's Story

1779 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Humor and coping with stress essay

The Human Health Experience: Teah’s Story Each and every individual has a story to tell about his or her life experiences. On special occasions, some individuals will share those stories with us. Teah kindly shared her incredibly powerful story about her experience with cancer. In this paper, I will discuss Teah’s story and identify three concepts, coping, knowledge, and psychosocial issues, which arose within that story; furthermore, I will recognize my own assumptions regarding her story, which is crucial, as well as reflecting on the importance of the experience that was shared with me.
Narrative
Teah was a medical student in the United States, but she moved to Canada after meeting a Canadian graduate student, which she went on to marry. …show more content…

65). There are three main concepts in the story of Teah’s experience. The first of these three concepts is coping. Teah mentioned that she attempted to work harder to both deal with and forget her experience, which in the end did not work because it contributed to her extreme fatigue. Moreover, she utilized humour as a coping mechanism which had a positive result for her. Teah spoke about her use of humour as a communication method through her experience with cancer, as many cancer patients do. Beach and Prickett (2016) discuss how individuals utilize humour and laughter to communicate and achieve reassurance through awkward, uncomfortable, or stressful situations and moreover, to articulate challenging ideas and feelings into words (p. 792). Additionally, Beach and Prickett (2016) conclude that laughter and humour can be utilized to lessen the fears individuals have and be a way for doctors to recognize and speak to the concerns of the individual that have been communicated through laughter and humour (pp. 799-800). Rose, Spencer, and Rausch (2013) found that humour is a mechanism where patients are able to comprehend their situation, while veering away from the denial, the anxiety, and the psychological distress that stem from external and internal stressors (p. 4). Teah used humour to cope with having cancer through making jokes and laughing, but also through dressing up in silly costumes every now and then. She utilized her costumes not only as a distraction from the stressful situation she was in, but because it was also very fun for her to dress

Show More
Related

  • Motifs and Images in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey

    848 Words  | 2 Pages

    As the story continues and McMurphy’s influence over the patients strengthens, the reader sees other occasions where the laughter is healing. With McMurphy’s big, boisterous laugh dominating the ward, the patients begin to laugh themselves. Their laughs sound awkward at first- forced, simulated- but nevertheless they are laughing and whether the patients, or Bromden realize it, this phony laugh does begin to heal them.

    Read More

  • Controversy Regarding “M.A.S.H.” Humor Revisited

    873 Words  | 2 Pages

    ...ees and literally debilitate a person if they are not equipped to handle it accordingly and maintain an ability to put it into perspective. The humor that prevailed in the Operating Room (O.R.) in “M.A.S.H.” is no different than that which occurs in dozens of civilian emergency rooms worldwide during critical times. It is the human way of coping and is intended in no way to be disrespectful to victims or subjects of violence and further it is not a reflection of the understanding of the gravity of the situation either. Rather, it is a true human response to tragedy which enables us to function. It is the means of distancing one’s self from the situation in order to accomplish your mission or task and provide lifesaving measures without allowing your mind to be overwhelmed by the horror. Laugh long, laugh hard and laugh often, it truly is the very best medicine.

    Read More

  • Susan Grubar's Living With Cancer

    911 Words  | 2 Pages

    Although illness narratives are not novel or new, their prevalence in modern popular literature could be attributed to how these stories can be relatable, empowering, and thought-provoking. Susan Grubar is the writer for the blog “Living with Cancer”, in The New York Times, that communicates her experience with ovarian cancer (2012). In our LIBS 7001 class, Shirley Chuck, Navdeep Dha, Brynn Tomie, and I (2016) discussed various narrative elements of her more recent blog post, “Living with Cancer: A Farewell to Legs” (2016). Although the elements of narration and description (Gracias, 2016) were easily identified by all group members, the most interesting topics revolved around symbolism as well as the overall impression or mood of the post.

    Read More

  • Caring for Children with Cystic Fibrosis

    2008 Words  | 5 Pages

    Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is a life-altering event. During this time, life is not only difficult for the patient, but also for their loved ones. Families must learn to cope together and to work out the best options for the patient and the rest of the family. Although it may not be fair at times, things may need to be centered on or around the patient no matter what the circumstance. (Abbott, 2003) Sacrifices may have to be made during difficult times. Many factors are involved when dealing with chronic illnesses. Coping with chronic illnesses alter many different emotions for the patients and the loved ones. Many changes occur that are very different and difficult to get used to. (Abbott, 2003) It is not easy for someone to sympathize with you when they haven’t been in the situation themselves. No matter how many books they read or people they talk to, they cannot come close to understanding.

    Read More

  • Therapeutic Use of Humor Description

    1100 Words  | 3 Pages

    Various populations can benefit from the therapeutic use of humor, often it is used with either the exceptionally young or old populations, but the benefits of humor extend beyond age and gender limits. Commonly, it’s implemented in young populations with severe to mild physical or mental disabilities or with those experiencing serious and terminal illness (Saper, 1990). Humor is used as a method of coping with or coming to terms with life changing illnesses for both old an...

    Read More

  • Power of Laughter in One Flew Over the Cuckoo´s Nest by Randle McMurphy

    536 Words  | 2 Pages

    Although modern science has allowed us to develop many complex medicines, laughter is still the strongest one available in the real world and in the book. Laughter proves to be a strong medicine in more ways than one and is completely free, allowing anyone to use it at anytime. It allows us to connect socially with people, it can be used as a way of overthrowing power, and it is good for your health. As Randle McMurphy showed in the novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, laughter can lighten the mood in the darkest situations.

    Read More

  • Let It Snow By David Sedaris Summary

    932 Words  | 2 Pages

    Humor is also often used to cushion an underlying pain or sadness. Oftentimes, people use humor as a coping mechanism for survival, therefore it is of no surprise that writers such as Twain, Paulsen, Alexie, and Robbins, incorporate humor in their stories about children of alcoholics. Otherwise, a reading a narrative story about a child of an alcoholic would be quite dark, depressing, and negative. (Lacy, 348) In Sadaris’ “Let It Snow”, he uses humor in his storytelling.

    Read More

  • The Importance Of Humor In Health Care

    753 Words  | 2 Pages

    The spectrum of therapeutic techniques available within the health care continuum is very complex and varied. From traditional medicine, to holistic remedies, and anything in between, nurses have a rather large arsenal at their disposal when it comes to treating the patients that are under their care. Humor as an alternative therapy has long been understood as a proven means to aid in the recovery process. “With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health” (Smith & Segal, 2015). The purpose of this paper is to discuss situations in which humor would be a viable alternative therapy

    Read More

  • Laughter as Therapy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

    1080 Words  | 3 Pages

    Laughter also proves a vital role in helping the patients deal with their problems. Not only does it help them deal with problems but it also gave them the push toward progress on getting out of the institution.

    Read More

  • Analysis: The Approximate Size Of My Favorite Tumor

    1010 Words  | 3 Pages

    Laughter is often said to reduce stress and produce pain reliving hormones. It is the ‘fountain of youth’, the secret ingredient to longevity. A person who laughs all the time is, more often than not, healthier and happier than a person who rarely laughs at all. Laughter is known as a natural form of medicine. However, like many other things, some people take the laughter and the jokes too far. This is the case in the story, “The Approximate Size of My Favorite Tumor,” by Sherman Alexie.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Sherman Alexie's The Approximate Size Of My Favourite Tumor

    736 Words  | 2 Pages

    Humour was an antiseptic that cleaned the deepest of personal wounds.” Jimmy said (208). Throughout Alexie story many jokes were achieved as an effective humor since it brought laughter “Well, I told her the doctor showed me my X-rays and my favoruite tumour was just about the size of a baseball…” (204) Jimmy said joking about the tragedy of his illness and his imminent death. Dr. Gill Greengross an evolutionary psychologist and anthropologist from the University of New Mexico said “humor can help people deal with tragedies.” So humor is effective and a very good way to cope with

    Read More

  • Humor and Healing the Research

    1477 Words  | 3 Pages

    Mora-Ripoll, R. (2010). The Therapeutic Value of Laughter in Medicine. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, 16(6), 59.

    Read More

  • Merle Mishel Nursing Theory

    714 Words  | 2 Pages

    Dr. Merle Mishel is an American, nursing theorist who is accredited with the creation of the uncertainty in illness theory and measurement scale. She holds both a master 's degree in psychiatric nursing and a PhD in social psychology. She has accrued many distinguished awards and honors for her works showcasing her expertise in dealing with psychosocial responses to cancer and chronic illness and also the best interventions to manage the hardship and stress that can accompany uncertainty when it comes to illness. Dr. Mishel, currently she holds a position at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing as a Kenan Professor of Nursing, where she continues her teachings, research and advocating of cancer patients and those with

    Read More

  • Health Psychology Essay

    2387 Words  | 5 Pages

    ...e the cancer and look for the positives in the prognosis and treatment find encouragement for the future. There are various models and theories such as health belief model that are used to explain ones belief on risks and associated risks of a chronic illness and then there are theories such as Crisis theory when dealing with shock when diagnosed with a chronic illness and gate control theory when looking at pain and the psychological issues around dealing with pain. However even with various theories and models trying to explain crisis, pain and compliance to treatment the outcome and understanding and ultimately the way an individual deals with a chronic illness such a breast cancer falls very much down to self-efficacy and the belief the individual holds towards the illness itself the attitude and perception in the outcome of the illness, treatment and beyond.

    Read More

  • Essay About Comedy

    1048 Words  | 3 Pages

    If there is one way to bring a smile to someone’s face, it is laughter. Funny jokes, comical stunts, sarcasm- Every person is different when it comes to what makes them laugh. Some find dry humor comical. Others think sarcasm or joke-filled ranting are the best. ‘Comedy’ is such a broad term, broad enough to allow everyone to find something they find comical. In fact, ‘comedy’ includes a specific type of drama, one where the protagonist is joyful and happy endings are expected. Comedy is like a drug; it allows you to escape reality. When we say the word ‘comedy’ in the present, we are generally referring to a type of performance which provides humor. However, in its broadest sense, comedy has only one purpose: comedy makes people smile and

    Read More

More about The Human Health Experience: Teah's Story

Open Document