illness as metaphor

Illness as a metaphor is the idea of understanding health challenges through symbolic language, where sickness reflects broader struggles or conflicts. For example, describing a difficult situation as a "wound" or "infection" conveys emotional or societal issues more vividly. This metaphor helps us grasp complex experiences, emphasizing healing, resilience, and the need for care. It highlights that health isn’t just physical but interconnected with mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Using illness metaphors makes abstract struggles more tangible, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of personal and collective challenges.