What is Comparisonitis?
Definition
Comparisonitis * Not a Real Medical Condition is inflammation of the Comparison Nerves in the brain. The inflammation is caused by the repetitive action of comparing yourself to others to determine relative importance or worth.
Symptoms
Common Symptoms include: Anxiety, Depression, Overwhelm, Inability to Take Action, Poor Sleep, Emotional Eating, Workaholism, Over Consumption of Alcohol, and Compulsive Course Buying.
Triggers
Common Triggers are: Scrolling through endless social media news feeds and frequently checking stats such as: Likes, Followers, Repins, etc. They can also be real-world events such as a friend buying a new car, a colleague’s promotion, or a neighbor buying a vacation home or building an addition on their house.
Outcome
If Left Untreated: Comparisonitis leads to false impressions or conclusions and often progresses to intense unhappiness, and dissatisfaction with one’s career or life. If left untreated long enough it can lead to miserable or even deadly consequences.
Treatment
Treatment varies by individual but often includes Psychoactive Medications, Psychotherapy, Mindfulness Meditation, Exercise, Healthy Diet, Goal Setting and Planning, Turning Off Computers or Smart Phones, Quitting or Drastically Reducing Social Media, and Participating in Support Groups.
Cure
Research shows there are different opinions as to whether there is a permanent cure for Comparisonitis. In this writer’s opinion, while the treatments listed above can help control the symptoms, Comparisonitis is pretty hard to completely cure. It can go into remission for extended periods but flare-ups can happen at any time.
The most effective treatment is for the sufferer to realize that every single person is different – that their personalities, strengths, weaknesses, challenges and circumstances are different, and that most of the information about them one would need to know in order to make a truly valid comparison is hidden from view. The sufferer must also realize that she or he was born with their own personality, challenges, and set of strengths and weaknesses, that their own experiences in the world have been different from others, and that this makes them a truly unique and valuable human being with the power to build the life she or he wants. Once these realizations are deeply felt and incorporated into the suffer’s belief system, Comparisonitis goes into remission.
Prescription
1) Since symptoms are intensified by isolation, it is recommended to join the Many Chapters Community Room Facebook Group where like-minded people can share their experiences and gain support. It has been shown that this type of support soothes symptoms and leads to insights that can push Comparisonitis into remission.
To Join the Group, go HERE.
2) Since information has been shown to spark ideas, generate insights, and initiate actions, it is recommended to join the Many Chapters Email List to open a pipeline for information and encouragement.
To Join the Email List, go HERE.
3) Since everyone has an opinion, share a comment below and tell me what you think about this article and/or your thoughts about Comparisonitis. I’m listening!
How Are You Doing?
