Living With Lies

The myth about stress causing ulcers has been one that I have heard all too many times; it is also a myth that I am glad to know the truth about, granted, the news is still a bit inconclusive, but it is better than the myth being true. I have found myself worried about future stresses and the damage it may cause. It is true, however, that stress can lead to numerous health hazards, but it is good to know that there is one less to worry about.
A myth that I am less than relieved to hear disproved is the myth that a positive attitude can cure cancer, although I knew it would be a long shot. Even though positive attitudes do not cure diseases per say, they can help to increase a persons odds of pulling through a difficult disease. Positive attitudes allow people to feel better about themselves at no risk to their personal well being, so even if it does cure diseases, it couldn’t hurt to try.
Both of these myths are examples of post hoc ergo propter hoc reasoning, based on ones own experiences and the experiences of others. People need to believe in something that can help them through a challenging set of circumstances, so if it helps them feel better, does it really matter if it works?

These myths can have a ‘placebo effect’ on a person. The thought that a myth is true can ultimately change ones outlook on something, such as health. A placebo is a simulated medical intervention that is designed to help a patient where real medicine can’t. It can lead to a patient having perceived or actual improvement. The same can be true for certain myths, such as a good attitude can cure diseases, and hypnosis can help memory (which has not been proven). These myths provide what some call false hope, but isn’t false hope better than no hope at all.