You've heard of the placebo effect. It can drive research doctors crazy to know that a certain segment of those tested for any new drug are just going to get better and be relieved of symptoms with what may amount to a sugar pill.
But have you heard of the nocebo effect?
I hadn't until watching this TED talk (I happen to think TED talks are pretty awesome). Below I'm putting a link to it. For those who are not interested in alternative medicines or treatments the talk may be a bit off putting, I feel there's a lot of quacks out there trying to sell their diets, treatments and "sugar pills". But just bear with it. For those who may be turned off from spiritual topics, I am skeptical of anything that defies the laws of physics and modern medicine and a lot of "piritual healers" make claims that are hard to believe--I say just watch out for the ending, it gets a bit preachy. But there's a cool lesson that I garnered from it and I feel is worth sharing.
So then why do I recommend this TED talk video?
When I was watching it the idea of the placebo effect was brought up. There's studies that show that it's not the faith of the patient in the pseudo-medicament but actually that it's the feeling of being cared for, about, and attended to by a physician that actually turns on connections in the brain which manage hormones that tell the body to heal. I found this quite intriguing.
Then the discourse turned to talking about the opposite of the placebo effect. That is the nocebo effect. There was an experience where this nurse predicted people dying and true enough they lived to that day and died. The suggestion can be positive or negative--a placebo or nocebo effect.
Now the reason why I'm sharing this.
The placebo effect in religion is obvious to me. Let me explain and see if you agree. When the Scriptures say that if any of you are sick, call the older-men to your side and the prayer of the faithful will make you well--It is describing exactly what the TED talk brings out about the placebo effect.
Just the very fact that two people whom you trust, believe in and respect come to your side, attend to you patiently, and show caring turns on those feel good hormones and brain chemicals that allow your body to relax and concentrate on healing.
So what about the nocebo effect. In a recent discussion thread we discussed the "prophetic" condemnations of loyal WT drones who perpetuate the thought that if someone leaves the JW religion they will inevitably suffer for it, be it physically, emotionally, and most likely, ehem, mentally diseased.
What they are "unknowingly" setting into motion is a very noxious and damaging effect that robs a person's sense of safety, tranquility, peace and health. This nocebo effect basically throws you into a flight or fight response which floods your body with cortisol, and other hormones, increases production of adrenaline giving you a constant sense of anxiety and eventually these negative chemical reactions in your body cause all sorts of evils to befall you--you don't feel well, you're constantly worried and anxious, you dwell on negative thoughts--pretty soon it affects your health and your relationships at work and with family.
No wonder how many who leave the JW religion end up exactly as their former friends and their shunning family members predict they'll end up. It's the nocebo effect taking its toll on one's health and sense of well-being.
And so what can be done to counteract this nocebo effect. The answer is identifying the neysayers, the haters, the ones shunning and wishing evil upon you, as exactly what they are poisonous sugar-pills. They have no control over you and can't harm you if you put up your defenses against this spiritual, emotional, physical and mental violence.
Relaxation is one of the best weapons against this nocebo effect. Too, we have positive relationships with others who are supporting and caring--developing and being a good friend is key--a mate for life in a healthy relationship makes one live longer. Spirituality is important as well as finding satisfying employment that allows you to be creative and productive.
If you watch the video you'll be able to better understand the harm that can be done by nocebo situations and how you can best "immunize," if you will, against the harmful effect of judgmental WT haters with all their shunning and ill will.
The proverb rings true to live well is the best revenge.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWQfe__fNbs
