The semantics of self management
- Written by: Barbara Flynn — Development Officer and Grace Beaumont, Development Officer, the ALLIANCE
- Published: 28th June 2023
Ever wondered why there’s no dash in ‘self management’? You’re not alone! And it turns out there’s more to it than first meets the eye.
Why is there no hyphen in the term ‘self management’? Is it written incorrectly? If not, then why does autocorrect always flag it? These are questions that have come up more than once for the Self Management Team, prompting deeper discussions on the actual definition of the term. In fact, it seems to be something of a rite of passage for new staff members, part of the induction to self management as a concept.
The Self Management Strategy for Long Term Conditions in Scotland, Gaun Yersel!, published in 2008, is an invaluable guide, providing the insight to answer these questions through its use of context, definitions, case studies and by highlighting the practicalities and benefits of self management. Upon reading these, it becomes clear that there is no dash as self management is not about ‘self-managing’ yourself.
Unlike its cousin, ‘self-care’, self management is not something that you simply do by yourself, for yourself, but it is a concept underpinned by values and principles, of empowerment and equality. It refers to the entire framework which puts the individual at the centre. The person will receive tailored information and can work together with services to be in control of their health and wellbeing. Whilst self-care is certainly a component of self management, it is just that; one part of it. And this is the key difference.
Self management refers to the management of long term conditions but it is not exclusive to the medical field or the health and social care sector. It is relevant to everyday situations and forms part of the wider Scottish policy landscape. It echoes the values of realistic medicine and factors in an individual’s broader economic position by recognising that, as individuals should be in control of their health and wellbeing, the tools and support that can benefit them must be accessible, affordable, and available.
This is why it is important to appreciate the grammatical quirk in this deliberate lack of hyphen, and the values that come with it. When we talk about self management, the intention is for the individual to take centre stage, but without being a one-man band. The use of a dash in ‘self management’ would reduce the whole framework into the actions of one person: you. However, as Gaun Yersel! makes clear, self management does not require you to ‘go it alone’.
End of page.
You may also like:
What does The Scottish Report tell us about how we're supporting people with inflammatory mediated autoimmune conditions (IMIDs)?
Continue readingAvril McLean from Action from ME shares new resources designed to support professionals understand the impact of ME on people's lives.
Continue readingMandy Wright from Home Energy Scotland shares how partnerships positively impact their work.
Continue readingToo many young people are falling through the mental health support gap. How do we fix the "Missing Middle"?
Continue readingJoe McCready from Carers UK shares how important their annual survey is, and why it is invaluable for unpaid carers to have their say.
Continue readingColette reflects on the last 12 years of the Community Links Worker programme, as well as her own experience of being a CLW.
Continue readingWith the current World Cup, gambling presents an even higher risk. How can we prevent young people from getting tangled in this web?
Continue readingDr Anthony McMahon reflects on the importance of the Community Links Worker within his GP surgery - and why it makes all the difference.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, the Integration Team highlight the importance of our Connected Communities series.
Continue readingTo mark ‘What matters to you?’ Day, The ALLIANCE's Barbara Flynn considers the impact of Tommy Whitelaw’s talks for nurses and midwives.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Humans of Scotland project works to challenge stigma.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on post election feelings and Scotland’s future.
Continue readingALLIANCE Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, reflects on our Annual Conference 2026 and how we're turning hope into action.
Continue readingALLIANCE member, Catherine, shares the importance of initiatives like 'What Matters To You?' Day in promoting person centred care.
Continue readingLearn about how the ALLIANCE has championed joined-up, person centred care.
Continue readingDementia Action Week highlighted some great resources and support for people living with dementia and their family, friends, and carers.
Continue readingSteven Mair gives us an insight into his role as a gamer at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.
Continue readingSince 2009, ALISS has helped people find local health and wellbeing support. Any group, big or small, can add their information.
Continue readingThe new Scottish Government must turn promises into action to improve hospice and palliative care
Continue readingTogether, we can create lasting change for everyone living with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Continue readingFind out more about these digital self management tools and how to get in touch to arrange an information session.
Continue readingOur Chief Officer Sara Redmond addresses recent commentary on the relationship between Government and the Third Sector.
Continue readingCornell explores how we can build an environmental human rights-based culture
Continue readingLouise Coupland, Digital Health and Social Care Programme Manager shares her opinions on the national roll out of MyCare.scot.
Continue readingChris Mackie, Director of Digital, looks back at how ALISS has developed, grown, and innovated over time.
Continue reading