Is it normal for someone to love their illness and not want to be treated?

I loved the bad habits that led to my illnesses (diabetes, inflammation, hypertension, obesity, retinopathy).

I liked sugar, caffeine, fat, salt, being sedentary, etc.

I have to cut all that out of my life now, and exercise. I do not want to.

So far, all I have managed to do is quit drinking soda (fake sugar soda sucks) and stop adding real sugar to coffee and tea (I like sucralose, instead). Sugar alcohols are OK. I stopped drinking (regular) alcohol but that was easy because I seldom drank. I started taking daily walks.

But I still drink coffee, and eat fat, salty foods (I do not add any salt, though).

Yes, to some degree, especially when they were born with it. When something is part of every friendship you made, every hobby you chose and every habit you developed, it makes sense to not change that lightheartedly.

Just curious what there is to love about it.

I know that’s common with addictions, which is part of what makes them so difficult to treat. A large part of the person just wants to be left alone with their addiction.

I’ve been thinking about this. And I think there is much about ourselves we don’t understand.

George Carlin said that the umbilical cord was ‘the first addiction,” teaching dependence. He also said that post-birth, we continue to seek out that sort of comfort, “and we wander around looking for something else to plug into.”

I don’t know about that but it does seem true.

You can check out TikTok and YouTube if you want verification. Attention is the goal. Even when seeking such attention is self-destructive.

I just read yesterday that it’s starting to happen. A couple of “kick streamers,” whatever that means, (define for me if you know) took their camera and ill intensions and accosted strangers in a public, target rich environment with epithets and threats and when the objects of their attacks objected, one of these alien-like streamers pulled a gun, while one of the attackers clamored for the gun-waving streamer to “Shoot her! shoot her!” Strictly for “views,” the new and dangerous drug.

Why IS that? What does it give the offenders? Does it quiet the fear of death or “not being seen or heard?” What does it comfort in them?

That time nobody died, but it would have taken but another moment or two for that to happen.

Most of us would see that as demented, but in the online world (and it IS a world, a culture) some loved it.

Why? We do love our demons.

There are other factors figured in. Maybe treatment is dangerous, maybe it makes you even sicker before it makes you better.

They may just be exhausted from fighting.

It's common among philosophers if they find their ability to think is diminished as a result of the pills they take.

Probably not the norm. I've met just one person like that. They clung to the attention it brought and the excuse it gave to not be responsible in life. They often sought treatment but purposely neglected to actually take care.

Not normal

I suppose it could be, but I think many times it's that they just don't know any other way.
It becomes part of them.
Not sure it's normal.

Sadly yes some illness make them love the illness or they don't realize how bad it is

Some people develop a sense of community.

@Neptun i suppose it depends how serious the illness is it may not be a case of loving it there may be no cure for it or some may use minor ailments too gain the sympathy vote

Yes.. for those who face and identity crisis as they demand attention using this as a tactic.

I guess it depends on the illness..Cancer would be a bit strange but to each their own.

I guess would depend on his or her illness and if they considered it an illness or if they just liked cheesecake ffs