Positive Thinking And Self-esteem The Key? (Press, 5 May 1989)
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Summary: Positive Thinking And Self-esteem The Key? (Press, 5 May 1989)
Tom O’Connor, a homosexual man from San Francisco, has attributed his survival after an H.I.V. positive diagnosis in 1980 to positive thinking and self-esteem. Following his diagnosis, he drastically altered his lifestyle, cutting out processed and refined foods, and distancing himself from the media to avoid negativity. O’Connor believed that negative thoughts were prevalent in his mind and that they could adversely affect his health. By focusing on positive thinking, he feels he has managed to prolong his life compared to others who were diagnosed around the same time and succumbed to the illness. O’Connor is set to speak at a seminar today organised by the Foundation for the Healing Arts, asserting that had he not made these lifestyle changes, he would likely be dead. He contrasts his experience with those who have become ill due to a defeatist mindset that stemmed from a lack of belief in their ability to take control of their health when medical professionals could not provide solutions. Despite his positive outlook, O’Connor acknowledges that this approach may not work for everyone, particularly individuals from backgrounds that instil feelings of unworthiness or inadequacy. He asserts that positive thinking alone cannot suffice in the face of such psychological barriers. In addition to his advocacy for positive thinking, O’Connor has authored a book titled “Living with A.I.D.S. — Reaching Out”. This book focuses on the importance of nutrition, exercise, and self-esteem in managing health. Furthermore, he is a founding director and board member of a new non-profit organisation called Community Research Alliance, which aims to conduct clinical tests on A.I.D.S. drug treatments that pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to pursue due to low profit margins. The organisation intends to fund these tests independently to advance knowledge and treatment options for A.I.D.S. patients.
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