The 3 Lies We Tell Ourselves About Our Health (And Why It's Time to Stop)

Let’s be honest. We’ve all done it. We feel something strange – a headache that won't quit, a cough that's been hanging around, a tightness in our chest – and what do we do?

We tell ourselves a little lie. Just to feel better. Just to avoid making that phone call. Just to push it to next week.

I've heard these lies from patients for years. And I've told them to myself too.

So, let's name them. Gently. With no judgement. And then let's talk about why stopping these lies is easier than you think – especially when you can see an online doctor from your couch.

Lie #1: "It's probably nothing. I'll wait and see."

This is the classic. The old favourite. The reason most people delay getting help.

Here's the truth: sometimes it is nothing. Bodies are weird. Symptoms come and go. But sometimes that "nothing" turns into a sinus infection that needs antibiotics, a blood pressure reading that's creeping up, or a mental health dip that would benefit from early support.

The cost of waiting isn't just physical. It's also time, stress, and sometimes more complicated treatment down the road.

What to do instead: Book a short online consultation. You don't need to sit in a waiting room. You don't need to take a whole morning off work. In 15 minutes, we can figure out whether it's nothing or something. And if it's something, we can act early.

Lie #2: "I don't have time to see a doctor."

I get it. You're busy. Between work, kids, errands, and trying to have a life, finding a two‑hour window to drive to a doctor's rooms feels impossible.

But here's the lie hidden inside that lie: you do have time. You just don't have time for the old‑fashioned way of doing things.

An online GP visit takes 15 minutes. You don't drive anywhere. You don't park. You don't sit in a waiting room surrounded by coughing strangers. You open your phone or laptop, click a link, and we talk.

That's it.

You can do it during your lunch break. While your kids are napping. Even while you're waiting for the kettle to boil.

What to do instead: Next time you catch yourself saying "I don't have time", ask: "Do I have 15 minutes?" The answer is almost always yes. Then book that online doctor appointment and cross it off your list.

Lie #3: "I'll go next week."

Ah, the procrastinator's promise. Next week, things will be quieter. Next week, I'll feel more like it. Next week, I'll finally make that call.

Except next week arrives, and you say it again. And again. And again.

I've seen patients put off a simple prescription refill for months. They run out of their blood pressure medication. They feel fine – for a while. But untreated hypertension doesn't send a warning text. It quietly increases your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

The same goes for that mole you've been meaning to show someone. Or that lingering fatigue. Or that anxious feeling you've been pushing down.

What to do instead: Break the cycle. You don't need to "go" anywhere. You don't need to psych yourself up for a clinic visit. You just need to click a button and have a conversation.

An online GP can issue repeat prescriptions, refer you to a specialist, request blood tests, or give you a sick note – all without you leaving your home.

So, stop saying "next week". Do it now. It takes two minutes to book.

Why These Lies Matter (And What You Actually Gain by Stopping)

When you stop lying to yourself about your health, you get three things back:

1. Peace of mind – No more wondering "what if?" You'll know, and you can act.

2. Time – Online consultations are fast. No waiting rooms. No traffic.

3. Control – You're the one making the choice to look after yourself. That's important.

How to Get Started

You don't need a special app. You don't need a referral. You don't need to drive anywhere.

Just click the "Book Appointment" button on this website. Choose a time that works for you. You'll receive a secure video link.

We'll talk. I'll listen. And together, we'll figure out the truth – no lies required.

Dr. S Brandt is an online GP offering convenient, confidential, and fully legal healthcare to South Africans. Book a consultation for prescriptions, sick notes, referrals, or just peace of mind.

Book your online appointment here: General Consultation - Doctor Brandt