When To Seek Help For Health Concerns

It pays to put your health at the top and make your goals a priority. That said, it’s easy to be distracted by work, hectic schedules, and looking after others. Know that there are steps we can take to protect our physical and mental health from harm. In this article, we’ll discuss when to seek help and where to go if you have concerns or need advice. 

Persistent or Recurrent Pain

If you experience pain, you may be tempted to ignore it or try to manage it with over-the-counter pain relief. In many cases, pain will settle or dissipate without the need for further treatment. However, it’s important to get checked out if you have ongoing or recurrent pain that is unexplained. Do also seek advice if your symptoms get worse, or they’re affecting your daily life or mental well-being. 

There are multiple common causes of pain, from poor posture and spending long periods sitting or standing to sports injuries, trauma, and underlying health conditions. Seeing a doctor can help you get answers and access treatments and therapies to ease symptoms. You may be advised to undergo further investigations or visit local surgical specialists or other experts. Depending on your symptoms, general health status, and test results, you will be directed to the best type of specialist.

Self-help techniques, such as doing targeted exercises, getting plenty of rest, eating well, and using heat and ice packs, can also be beneficial for minor cases. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to seek help.

Red Flag Symptoms

We all experience illnesses and inguries. Often, they don’t need medical attention, but there are certain symptoms you shouldn’t ignore. Examples of red flags include unexplained weight loss, constant fatigue, unusual lumps and swelling, or changes in your bowel habits. Additionally, chest pain, breathing problems, and dizziness accompanied by double or blurred vision are concerning. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek urgent medical advice. In the vast majority of cases, there will be nothing to worry about, but they can be warning signs of severe health issues. If you have tests early, you’ll benefit from rapid treatment. 

Changes in Mental Health

Most of us put more effort into our physical health than our mental well-being, but they are equally important. Seek help for health concerns if there are changes in your mental health. See a professional as soon as possible if you are able. It’s particularly beneficial to get advice if your symptoms have worsened, or persist.

Examples of mental disturbances include mood swings, feeling out of sorts, or developing anxiety in situations where you’d usually feel relaxed. Feeling low and lethargic or struggling to find joy, and questioning your worth and purpose are also warning signs. If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to healthcare experts, you can contact charities, see a therapist, or talk to a trusted friend or family member. 

We can all be proactive in protecting our health. One of the most important golden rules to live by is to seek advice if you have concerns about your physical or mental health. If you experience persistent, severe or recurrent pain, notice red flag symptoms, or you’re worried about your mental health, see your doctor. If you need further tests, treatment or support, you could be referred to specialists or targeted health services.