Three in five Brits are in "significant" pain or discomfort due to ailments such as back pain, headaches, and hay fever – but over half are suffering in silence, research has found.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 82% have a minor health condition, which impacts them in a range of ways – including struggling to sleep (46%), developing mental health conditions (28%), and being unable to work (18%).
More than a quarter of sufferers have struggled with their symptoms for several years or more – and nearly one in ten (8%) have been forced to cope for more than a decade.
But 28% say their GP doesn't "seem interested" – leaving nearly three-quarters (70%) pushing forward with a "keep calm and carry on" coping mentality.
More than one in four (27%) claim they can't get an appointment with their doctor, according to the research, commissioned by Perrigo.
But 52% admitted it's never crossed their mind to visit a pharmacy for advice – while more than one in five (22%) simply don't like going to their local GP.
Farah Ali, superintendent pharmacist at Warman-Freed, said: "As Brits, we’re used to keeping calm and carrying on – but when it comes to our health, this shouldn’t be the case.
"Even minor issues and ailments can impact our quality of life and the way we want to live, when they really don’t have to.
"Don’t ignore your body by putting up with discomfort and suffering in silence – there are ways to manage conditions early through self-care, so that problems don’t build up and disrupt everyday activity."
The study also found a tendency to suffer in silence is very much a nationwide problem – with over half (57%) of those polled admitting they usually keep schtum when they develop health conditions.
And 54% admit they are "better" at looking out for other people’s health than their own.
This approach also appears to extend to self-care, with 56% admitting this isn’t one of their strong points – and worse still, 43% don’t consider it to be a priority.
However, the same percentage think they have improved in this area of their lives during the last two or three years.
And over two-thirds (69%) claim to be "good" at listening to their body and understanding its needs.
The research, carried out through OnePoll, found the typical adult has taken seven days off work during the past year.
But this figure should perhaps be higher – as 59% said they’ve worked despite feeling too ill to do so.
Reasons for this include not liking to take time off (37%), having "too much work to do" (31%), and not wanting to acknowledge there was a problem (20%).
Farah Ali added: "You must always seek the advice of a healthcare professional for any prolonged condition.
"Your community pharmacist is an accessible and great first point of call if you’re struggling to get an appointment with your doctor.
"Pharmacists are experts in minor health conditions, able to provide self-care solutions.
"They can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses.
"And they’ll signpost you if you need to see a GP, nurse, or other healthcare professional to treat your condition."
