Bupa’s new campaign to prioritise access to mental health assistance services
Bupa UK’s ‘Is it Normal?’ campaign hopes to prioritise mental health in the assistance sphere by normalising the action of seeking help for mental health
With many fearing that the knock-on impact that the lockdown is having on mental health will be felt for years to come (the BBC reported that health professionals are expecting a rise in people reporting mental health difficulties), Bupa has set out to change things.
Bupa’s ‘Is it Normal?’ campaign sets out to address what it calls the ‘unnecessary stigma around mental health’ by challenging perceptions of what is considered to be normal and encouraging people to seek support and expert advice for themselves and those close to them.
Remote access to healthcare proves invaluable to those seeking mental health support
During the lockdown, 82 per cent of adults experienced at least one symptom of poor mental health, yet just five per cent sought help from a medical professional, Bupa’s research uncovered. What’s more, four in ten (44 per cent) told no one that they were struggling, a figure that is twice 2019 rates.
Demand for mental health referral services may have increased since the start of the year, but Bupa notes that those seeking help has almost halved with many worried about visiting a clinic or hospital in person.
Therefore, as part of its response, Bupa has also expanded its range of remote services available to its insurance customers with ‘Bupa From Home’, helping customers stay in control of their physical and mental health from the comfort of their home with quick, convenient access to nurses, doctors and mental health therapists, removing any barriers or fears that may be caused by visiting a hospital or clinic in person.
Early diagnosis is proven to significantly improve outcomes
“The toll of the pandemic on mental health has been high, and as a healthcare provider we must continue to think long term to address the impact on the nation’s mental health,” David Hynam, CEO, Bupa Global & UK, said. “All too often people don’t know where to turn, what help is available to them or how to access it. One of the biggest issues in mental health is people not getting help early enough. Early diagnosis is proven to significantly improve outcomes and we really encourage people to seek help at the right time.”