Parents neglect own health, new study reveals

A significant majority of parents in the UK are putting their own health concerns on the back burner to prioritise their children's wellbeing, according to new research. The study found that 73 per cent of parents admit to neglecting their own health issues while caring for their children.

The findings emerge from a study of 2,000 parents with children under 16, conducted by Bupa health insurance. It revealed that half of these parents have ignored their own symptoms to focus on their children's health. Furthermore, 33 per cent of parents have delayed seeking medical help for their own health concerns.

Read Next in Harrow News London2 min read

Only Fools and Horses van to sell for £40,000

The iconic 1969 Reliant Regal Supervan III featured in the first two series of the BBC sitcom will be auctioned in Birmingham.

Consequences of delayed care

The consequences of this self-neglect can be severe, with 71 per cent of parents admitting that ignoring their health issues has led to them worsening and becoming more serious. This trend extends to work habits, as 58 per cent of parents have continued to work through sickness rather than taking time off to recover.

The research also highlighted the perceived burden of responsibility, with 25 per cent of parents stating that the responsibility for managing their family's health falls solely on them. This can lead to a reluctance to take time off for personal illness, as 66 per cent of working parents admitted to 'saving' their sick days for when their children are unwell.

Related Borough Coverage2 min read

Nearly 300 attend Harrow Mid-Autumn Festival

Event organised by Together HK CIC showcased Hong Kong and Chinese culture at Victoria Hall.

Dr Naveen Puri, medical director for Bupa Insurance, commented on the findings, stating, 'Understandably, parents often feel they must balance caring for their children with work, household responsibilities and looking after the rest of the family, but it’s crucial they don’t lose sight of their own health in the process.' He added, 'Too often, parents put their own health on hold... What’s critical is that parents feel able to prioritise their own health, so they can stay well and continue to care properly for the wider family.'

The study also noted that 24 per cent of parents have cancelled medical appointments, 20 per cent have delayed screening appointments, and 19 per cent have put off treatment due to their responsibilities.

A personal case

The article references the case of Sarah Lewis, 46, who experienced symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and typing, pins and needles, weakness, and tiredness from early 2021. Despite these signs, she attributed them to common issues like eating too fast or lack of sleep, and prioritised her children's needs and work commitments over seeking medical attention.

It wasn't until April 2023, when she suffered severe migraines and struggled to walk, that she consulted a GP. This led to hospitalisation and a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder (FND), a condition affecting brain-body communication. Sarah now uses a wheelchair and relies on her mother for care, believing her condition might not have progressed so severely if she had sought medical advice sooner.