The study, which is based on a survey conducted with 2,003 people, reveals that 87 percent of Spaniards have shared a health problem with a family member, friend, or anyone who is not a healthcare professional at some point. The majority of these individuals stated that they were motivated to discuss their problem in search of advice or support (51%), to receive encouragement from family or friends (41%), to connect with someone facing a similar difficulty (32%), or to support and help others (26%).
Furthermore, the feelings after sharing their health problem were positive for a significant number of those who did so. 44 percent felt relieved, 41 percent felt supported, 32 percent felt less lonely, and 29 percent felt connected. In contrast, only 4 percent felt worried, 2 percent felt embarrassed, and 1 percent felt scared.
In line with this, 59 percent highlighted that sharing their health experience had a positive impact on their physical health, and 76 percent expressed the same for their mental well-being. In fact, 39 percent mentioned that opening up to others in this way reduced their anxiety about the problem, 37 percent were motivated to change their lifestyle, and another 37 percent were encouraged to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Despite the benefits, the survey indicates that four out of ten Spaniards (43%) avoided sharing a health concern. 48 percent did so out of fear of diagnosis, 38 percent because they did not consider their concern serious or were unsure if it required medical attention, and 21 percent did not seek medical help due to shame or stigma, among other reasons.
Listening to the health concerns of others was also found to be beneficial for the listener’s own health. 33 percent of Spaniards strongly agreed with this statement, and 38 percent agreed. Additionally, 48 percent of those who listened to others’ health concerns stated that it had a positive impact on their physical health, and 58 percent said it benefited their mental health. 46 percent mentioned that being involved in this strengthened their relationship with the other person, 31 percent said it motivated them to change their lifestyle, and 22 percent said it prompted them to seek advice from a healthcare professional for themselves.
The director of Bupa Global, Mohamed Maan, emphasized that talking about health not only benefits the person sharing their story but also those who listen. It can improve physical and mental well-being, inspire healthy habits, and encourage seeking medical attention, leading to earlier diagnoses and better health outcomes.
To implement this recommendation, Bupa has produced a series of short films featuring real stories from key figures in sports or society around the world, with the aim of encouraging others to talk about their health. These videos showcase the mental health story of Black Ferns player Ruby Tui, as well as the experiences of others on topics such as endometriosis, Crohn’s disease, breast cancer, and ADHD.
Fiona Bosman, Bupa’s Global Brand Director, highlighted that the ‘Health Stories’ campaign aims to emphasize the benefits of sharing health experiences and break the taboos that prevent people from discussing it. She emphasized that everyone should feel empowered to seek the attention and support they need, and a simple conversation can be the beginning of that journey.
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