Nurse taking the pulse of an older lady sat outside in a chairA key factor in poor physical health can be avoidance, or delay in seeking medical care. 

Equally once medical intervention is sought sometimes people don’t stick to treatment plans or medication. There can be many reasons and contributing factors to this. Some common reasons for avoidance include:​

  • Not wanting to be a burden, or believing it will improve if left alone​
  • Previous bad experience with a healthcare professional​
  • Perceived time constraints​
  • Financial concerns such as not wanting to lose working days​
  • Fear of the unknown or worst-case scenario​

Our mental health and wellbeing can also impact how we seek medical care.

If we are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or excessive worry, poor motivation, and low mood, then the thought of an uncomfortable conversation can feel overwhelming. Unfortunately, avoidance and delay in seeking medical care can also, in the long term, have a negative impact on our mental health, particularly if our physical condition worsens.​