It is fair to say Shakespeare has spilt more blood than Scorsese and Tarantino combined, but one character stands out from a murderous crowd. McBeth. ‘Blood will have blood’ have become immortal words uttered by an interloper king about to realise his own mortality. Once Macbeth and Lady Macbeth embark upon their murderous journey, blood comes to symbolise their guilt, and they begin to feel that their crimes have stained them in a way that cannot be washed clean.
The Scottish general thought nothing of severing an artery or two during his ascent to the throne, but, with violence comes violence, with blood comes blood. But what if we’re to reverse the notion? In the modern world we know more than ever blood is the force we rely upon to sustain life, however, instead of taking blood, we give it. MacBeth had a permanent stain on conscience, however, in giving blood, can we cleanse the conscience? The evidence suggests we can.
The University of Queensland (Uni QLD), School of Psychology, informs us there are a variety factors that may contribute to an overall improved feeling of wellbeing associated with giving blood, altruism, improved prosocial emotions, and a general feeling of accomplishment, or a warm glow as the Uni QLD researchers described it. This is even before we get to the post-donation snacks. Aside from nutritional value of the snacks following blood donation, it is also hoped an overall positive experience will entice donors to return to the blood bank in the not-too-distant future (I sit typing this in the realisation it’s been far too long).
Researchers found the above factors overlap between the initiation of giving blood and the continued maintenance of the behaviour, which is academic speak for saying the feel-good rewards for giving blood are revisited by continued donations. Additional benefits include the development of a blood donor’s identity, again, with the rewards on the psyche of the donor.
At MenAble, we recognise the cracks and flaws in our lives and in our characters that impact us. Those cracks play out on our own wellbeing and, whilst none of us have shed as much blood as McBeth, it can help if we can do something for others. Altruism is its own reward and, in giving blood, it is a reward for the community too. It’s about bloody time I got myself down to the blood bank. I’ll see you there.
MenAble and the Busselton Man Walk are organising a boost to local blood donation with a group booking of men wishing to join the mobile Australian Red Cross LifeBlood donation bus when it comes to Busselton. If you would like to come on board and support this initiative please contact MenAble Director, Colin West via email at menable@menablel.org.au for more information.