When Poor Health Gets Under Our Skin
What health metaphors can teach us.
Happy Tuesday, health heroes!
Have you ever said something was "under your skin," "a pain in the neck," or "giving you a headache"?
These phrases might seem like casual ways to complain, but they’re doing more than just venting your frustration. They’re connecting your everyday struggles to something everyone understands: discomfort. And the truth is, these health metaphors have a lot to teach us about how we live, cope, and even heal.
So, let’s unpack these metaphors and see if they’re telling us more than we realize — and what that can mean for our health.
The Universality of Discomfort
First, let’s acknowledge the genius of these metaphors. Life throws curveballs, and we don’t always have the words to describe how they feel. Enter health metaphors, which take emotional or mental struggles and translate them into physical sensations we all recognize.
"A weight on my shoulders"—that nagging feeling of carrying too much responsibility.
"A thorn in my side"—an annoying problem that just won’t go away.
"Sick to my stomach"—deep emotional unease or fear.
These expressions cut through the fluff and get right to the point. They tell us, “Hey, this thing I’m dealing with? It hurts—not literally, but close enough.”
They’re universal because discomfort, in all its forms, is something we’ve all experienced.
What Metaphors Teach Us
Now, let’s get philosophical. What are these metaphors really saying? At their core, they remind us of three important truths:
🌍 Discomfort is universal. When we say something is "a headache," we’re not just talking about our own struggles—we’re tapping into a shared language of human experience. Everyone has “pains” in their lives, and these metaphors connect us in a surprisingly intimate way.
✈️ Discomfort is transient. Think about it: a headache doesn’t last forever. Neither does that "thorn in your side." These metaphors subtly remind us that while the discomfort is real, it’s often temporary.
🔭 Discomfort is a signal. When something "gets under your skin," it’s begging for attention. Maybe it’s a sign to address an issue you’ve been avoiding or to change something in your life. The body’s metaphorical language is a call to action.
"It’s Driving Me Crazy": A Metaphor in Transition
Let’s talk about one metaphor in particular that’s going through a modern transition: "It’s driving me crazy."
This phrase has been a staple in casual conversation for decades, a go-to expression for those moments when frustration hits a boiling point. Whether it’s a chaotic day at work, a never-ending to-do list, or a squeaky chair that just won’t stop, saying "it’s driving me crazy" feels almost cathartic. But in today’s culture, this metaphor has taken on a new weight.
Many people, especially those in the mental health field, have pointed out that using the word "crazy" can perpetuate stigma around mental health conditions. What once felt like a harmless way to vent now feels like stepping into a linguistic minefield.
In fact, I once said this to a psychologist, only to be gently corrected. It left me wondering: Is it really necessary to rethink a phrase that so many of us have used without malice?
On one hand, the evolution of language reflects our growing awareness and sensitivity. It’s a good thing that we’re paying attention to how words impact others.
On the other hand, there’s a risk of over-policing language, to the point where we’re hesitant to use familiar expressions at all. After all, metaphors like "it’s driving me crazy" aren’t typically meant to mock or diminish mental health struggles. They’re simply a way to express feeling overwhelmed.
Rather than discarding “it’s driving me crazy” entirely, there are alternatives that capture the same emotion without the baggage. For instance:
"It’s driving me up the wall!"
"It’s making me lose my mind!"
"It’s pushing me to my limit!"
Most importantly, this metaphor’s shifting status highlights how our culture has changed. We’re more conscious of the words we use, and that’s a step forward. But it’s also a reminder to give ourselves (and each other) grace as we navigate this evolution. After all, metaphors are meant to connect us, not divide us.
Globally, metaphors are used and, depending on the culture, revolve around universal themes like how body-mind is connected to life’s challenges.
More Metaphors to Love (or Loathe)
The world of health metaphors is vast, and some of them are just too good not to share:
"Heartache"—the universal sign of emotional loss or sorrow.
"A gut feeling"—your intuition’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right.
"Cold feet"—hesitation or fear about moving forward.
"Burnt out"—exhaustion from overwork or stress.
"Broken heart" or “Heavy on my heart” —grief that feels physically real.
"Hit a nerve"—when someone touches on a sensitive subject.
"Breathe easy"—the relief that comes with letting go of tension or worry.
“Weight on my chest” is the feeling of emotional heaviness.
“Light-hearted” is the opposite, like in the feeling of relief or joy.
Each of these phrases does more than just describe a feeling—it brings that feeling to life. You don’t just hear the words; you feel them.
Living with and Learning from Metaphors
What can we do with all this metaphorical wisdom? Here are a few ideas:
🤨 Identify your go-to metaphors. Pay attention to the phrases you use most often. Are you always talking about "headaches" and "thorns in your side"? Maybe it’s time to reflect on what’s causing those feelings.
🕯️ Shift your perspective. Remember, most discomfort is temporary. Just like a headache passes, so can life’s annoyances. Instead of focusing on the pain, look forward to the relief.
🧗 Use metaphors constructively. What if, instead of saying something was "a pain," you thought of it as "a bump in the road" or "a stepping stone"? A small change in language can shift your mindset in powerful ways. How we talk to ourselves (and others) matters!
A Call to Action (or Reflection)
Next time you catch yourself saying something is "a pain in the neck," pause for a moment. What does that really mean? Use the metaphor as a chance to ask yourself more questions, reflect, and potentially take action to relieve the metaphorical pain.
And remember, metaphors don’t just describe—they inspire. They remind us that challenges, like headaches, aren’t permanent. They come, they go, and sometimes, they even leave us stronger.
So, what’s your favorite health metaphor? And more importantly, what’s it saying and teaching you about your life?
Right now, one health metaphor comes to mind in light of my upcoming book: My spirit is lifted when I think about it. And a metaphor for my health is that I feel “grounded and solid.” What about you? What metaphor describes you right now or when you think about something hopeful in the future? How about how you feel about your health right now?
See you Thursday! Have a great week, health heroes.
Dr. Alice
A little more about Dr. Alice Burron and The Health Navigator Group:
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My personal favorite is probably, “What a pain in the ass.” (What does that say about me?) 🤨😆