Taking ownership of your healing

Taking ownership of your healing

Why you need more than just medicine

"Doctors would rather see a patient die according to the rules than recover in an unorthodox manner."  Molière

I’ve always found this quote amusing, though there’s a darker side to it. It highlights something many of us with chronic illness have encountered: the idea that if something isn’t standard medical practice, it can’t possibly work.

When I was first diagnosed, I noticed that certain dietary changes helped keep my flares at bay. Feeling optimistic, I mentioned it to my consultant. He gave me a sympathetic look and said, I really don’t think so. You can eat what you want—it’s just an autoimmune condition.

Luckily, I had already trained in hypnotherapy, so I understood how powerful beliefs can be. I knew that if I accepted his view without question, it might actually shape my outcomes. This moment made me realise something crucial: healing isn’t just about what doctors prescribe. It’s about everything you do to support yourself.

You are responsible for your healing

That doesn’t mean rejecting conventional medicine. Far from it. Many of us owe our lives to medical interventions. Surgeons, consultants, and specialists save lives every day. Their expertise is invaluable. But taking responsibility for your health means recognising that medicine alone isn’t enough.

Chronic illness is complex. It isn’t just about the physical symptoms: it affects your mind, emotions and daily life. The best approach is to utilise everything that supports healing:

Understand your condition: Ask questions. Learn about your illness. The more informed you are the better choices you can make.

Use complementary therapies: Approaches like nutritional therapy, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness can help, not as replacements but as valuable additions to medical treatment.

Listen to your body: You know yourself better than anyone else. Not every treatment works for everyone. Find what genuinely helps you.

Take action early: If your doctor prescribes medication or recommends a treatment, don’t delay. Waiting too long could lead to complications.

Acknowledge the emotional side: Living with chronic illness can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Support from a therapist, coach, or trusted friend can make a huge difference.

It’s not your fault - but it is your responsibility

One thing I want to be clear about: your illness is not your fault. Many people wonder if something they did caused their condition, but that kind of thinking doesn’t help. There are many contributing factors. Some you can control, some you can’t.

For example, research now shows that micro plastics have been found in the human brain and are one and a half times higher in people with IBD than in those without. We live in an environment filled with pollutants, stress and processed foods. These factors affect us all.

What will help is taking ownership of your recovery. This doesn’t mean fighting or pushing through exhaustion. It means finding a balance. It’s about knowing when to rest, when to seek support and when to take action.

The turning point: Integrating medicine and self-care

Doctors provide essential care, but no one is more invested in your health than you. The real turning point comes when you realise that you don’t have to choose between conventional and alternative approaches—you can combine them in a way that works for you.

If you’re struggling with a chronic illness, here’s where to start:

✔ Educate yourself: The more you know, the more empowered you are.
✔ Seek out additional support: Complementary therapies can enhance healing.
✔ Trust your instincts: Pay attention to what genuinely helps you feel better.
✔ Take small, consistent steps: Healing isn’t a quick fix. It’s about long-term care.

No one will ever care about your health as much as you do. The more you take ownership of your wellbeing, the more control you have over your future.

What steps have you taken to support your own healing? Let me know. I’d love to hear your experiences and what has worked.