Powerful real stories
Our latest mental health campaign focuses on poor mental wellbeing in women from the use of social media. When the filtered lives of others can often feel perfect, we look to shine a light on how sharing our real stories can be a truly powerful thing.
Sharing your real story is a powerful thing
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, women’s mental health has seen a huge decline.
One of the biggest causes of anxiety symptoms in women has been social media. There’s a lot of pressure for people to make themselves or their lives look great with the perfect filter, but sometimes they’re just trying to cover up what’s really going on.
At Bupa, we're here to let you know that it's ok to share the real, unfiltered you. Revealing a more balanced view of your life with all its ups and downs can mean you get the support you need. It could even help someone else feel less alone with their struggles.
Together we can make sharing real life a positive step. And whether you have health insurance with Bupa or not, you can turn to us for help.
Support when you need it
Mental health support
Whether you're concerned for yourself or a loved one, our mental health hub can help you get the support you need, including advice from our experts
Free advice and tools
We’re here to support you in improving your mental health. We’ve got a wide range of topics, tools and tips - all free.
Women’s health hub
Our health hub provides help and support about women’s health, including menopause, endometriosis and workplace health.
Free women’s health and wellbeing support
We’ve got a wealth of information to help support your mental health, whether you have health insurance with us or not
Supporting mums’ mental health
Research shows there is incredible pressure to feel like a super mum’. Here are some tips to improve a mum’s mental health and wellbeing.
Postnatal depression
Postnatal depression is a type of depression that can develop after having a baby. Getting the right help and support will help you feel much better. Here we explain more about this condition.
10 tips for managing stress
Stress affects us all differently and we react differently to the pressure. This video offers 10 practical tips to help you manage.
Healthy relationships with social media
Despite its uses, social media can have a negative effect on our mental health. Here we’ve got some tips to form healthy relationships with social media.
Why am I tired all the time?
There’s a few reasons why you could be feeling more tired than usual, and they aren’t all related to how much you sleep
Coping with painful or heavy periods
You should always seek professional help if you need to, but there are things you can do to help cope with heavy or painful periods.
Breathing exercises to boost your day
Research shows that taking time to unwind can be good for your wellbeing. Here are four breathing exercises that take just minutes to do.
Menopause and mental health podcast
Dr Samantha Wild chats to two women about their experiences juggling the menopause and their mental health.
Pablo Vandenabeele, Clinical Director of Mental Health, shares the impact social media filters may have on mental health:
"Selfies and some filters can be light-hearted, but for some, they can be harmful to mental health. For example, image-altering filters that 'beautify' your appearance can negatively affect your self-esteem. They set unrealistic expectations and a strive for perfection.
"There's also a huge difference between these images and your reflection in the mirror. One is your ideal’ version, and the other is your real self. This can lead to a low mood, anxiety, and depression; as well as body image issues (such as body dysmorphia).
Tips for protecting your mental health
if you think unrealistic filters are affecting you
Check in on yourself and your social media habits. It’s crucial to have a healthy relationship with these apps. There are lots of benefits to social media, especially as it’s helped us stay closer over the last year. But unfortunately, it can make mental health issues worse.
If these apps or filters are making you feel stressed or anxious, prioritise yourself. Do this by switching off and deleting these apps. Regular exercise, a balanced diet and spending time with loved ones can improve your wellbeing.
Social media filters can set unrealistic expectations for yourself. And this can leave you feeling low. Try tuning in to your inner voice and noticing how it speaks to you. It’s important to be kind to yourself and accept your strengths and weaknesses.
Writing down three things everyday you’re proud of can be a great way to practise self-care. The idea is to build up a picture of yourself that’s based on truth and evidence, which you can turn to for reassurance.
If social media filters are impacting your day-to-day life and taking a break isn’t helping, seek help. Speak to your GP, a mental health professional or a loved one.
There is always support available. It can feel a huge relief to open up about any negative feelings you’re experiencing.
Real life, real stories
Balancing your career and social life can be difficult
Working from home can have its ups and downs. In this video, you’ll meet Alice. She works long hours, lives alone and hasn’t seen her friends and family for a long time. She’s worried that she won’t be taken seriously when it comes to her mental health, so turns to Bupa where she can talk to a real person.
Get free support from our expertsFeeling so thankful I got my dream job.
It’s amazing…
Even though my boss is constantly checking in.
So, I’ve been pulling all-nighters.
Not ideal, when my office is in my bedroom.
I miss Mum being round the corner.
Our little chats.
I’m really lonely.
I just...
Need someone to talk to.
Looking after yourself, as well as others
Angela has a lot on her plate. As well as a hectic personal life and a high pressure job, she’s starting to worry about her children and their health. She doesn’t think she has the time to think about herself, but where would she get help for all this anyway? At Bupa, we’ll help you find mental health support, whether you have insurance with us or not.
Worried about your children’s health?Such a rewarding couple of years.
Spending all that time with the family was great.
Which means less time for myself.
What with the kids always around,
going back to the office,
and looking after Mum,
since Dad…
And my husband doesn’t help,
so we argue.
I feel like I’m married to a stranger.
I'm so tired
For once I just need to put myself first.
Already have health insurance?
If you’re already a Bupa member, there are a whole host of services waiting for you. You could get help for yourself with our Bupa Blua Health digital GP service, or use our Family Mental HealthLine to talk to an adviser trained in children’s wellbeing.
Looking to buy health insurance?
Health insurance covers the costs of private healthcare, from diagnosis to treatment. We offer different levels of private health insurance cover so you can choose what’s right for you.
Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales No. 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales No. 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.
