My friend is a hypochondriac. He has three different health insurance plans. He sees a doctor at least once a quarter for a “regular” checkup. He gets blood work drawn, gets more inoculations than he needs, has been in therapy for over 10 years, sees a physical therapist and chiropractor regularly and much more.
He gets poked, prodded, scanned and tested on a regular basis proactively.
And he’s healthy.
Obviously he and I differ greatly in our trust in allopathic medicine, healthcare and medications. Having witnessed and supported my wife through 25 years of ever declining health and ever increasing “healthcare”, I rely on modern medicine as little as possible. I am skeptical of the healthcare system. I question the for profit motivations. I think the “treat the symptom” approach is neglectful and lazy at best and irreparably harmful at the other extreme.
When my friend was getting the pneumonia vaccine, the shingles vaccine and other boosters this month, I began wonder why he was so enthusiastic about seeing doctors frequently.
And then I recognized what it was.
He is looking for reassurance that everything will be all right. He wants someone he trusts to comfort him, hold him and tell him that it will all be OK.
I know this because my friend and I share similar pasts.
We grew up poor. We were raised in chaotic households. Our parents were divorced when we were young. Our mothers were absent, neglectful or abusive. We leaned to take care of ourselves at a very young age.
I once looked for security and comfort from male role models (father figures?). Then I sought it through money and career success. Finally, I found that there is no such thing as infinite security and comfort. Everything changes. All of life is suffering (see Buddha). Everything dies.
I found my security by fully embracing the mantra that nothing is permanent.
As for my friend, he is still seeking security and comfort in his own way. Each of us must follow our own path.
I hope someday he finds what he is seeking.