Be honest, when was the last time you actually talked about your health? I mean, beyond complaining of feeling tired at the office or battling the Sunday scaries? In 2025, we know that it’s probably a good thing to talk more about our health, and yet we still avoid doing so. In fact, while four in five people believe sharing their health experiences can positively impact wellbeing, almost half (49%) still shy away from opening up, according to new global research.
For most of us, our health can be a deeply personal subject – no wonder it can feel scary to talk about it. If someone asks how we are, we tend to say, “Good thanks, how are you?” instead of letting ourselves be vulnerable. But sharing our health stories and experiences with each other can have a positive impact. That’s why Bupa, the international healthcare company, has launched Health Stories, a global movement to inspire more open, honest conversations about physical and mental health.
“Through the simple task of sharing, we can open ourselves up to different perspectives and we can empower ourselves to find solutions,” says Ruby Tui, current Black Fern #235, 2020 Olympic gold medallist, and 2021 World Cup winner. Ruby has long advocated for more open discussions about mental health, particularly in sport. “I hope this campaign from Bupa sheds light on the importance of our individual health and wellness journeys,” she says. “And inspires more people to make their health a priority that they talk about openly and honestly.”
In a series of powerful short films created by Bupa, Ruby notes, “The voices in my head would say, ‘You’re not good enough. You’re just a burden. There’s no real place for you.’ When I discovered the concept of sharing, it was a huge breakthrough.”
Ruby is not alone in discussing her story. In a new film series, she speaks alongside others who talk about how being open about health has benefited their lives, including powerful stories of endometriosis, Crohn’s disease, breast cancer, limb difference, and ADHD.
“When I was first diagnosed, I was reluctant to share it. I was in denial myself. Breast cancer couldn’t be happening to me,” says Angela. “I opened up to a colleague who was also going through breast cancer, and it felt like I had somebody to lean on.”
According to Dr Mohamed Maan, Head of Clinical Operations at Bupa Global, “That first moment when someone shares a health story can be so powerful. Hearing how another person has managed a health condition can make you feel so many things – connected, empowered, supported, hopeful, a sense of relief.”
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He continues, “Talking about health not only benefits the person sharing their story, but also those who they share with. It can support mental and physical wellbeing, inspire healthy habits and encourage people to seek advice from a healthcare professional, which can lead to earlier diagnosis, treatment and better health outcomes.”
This is also backed up by stats. According to new research from Bupa, over half (53%) of respondents who had avoided health concern said it causes them more worry, and over a third (31%) stated they felt their overall health worsen when they avoided opening up. But discussing how you feel can have a ripple effect. A massive four in five (82%) of people said that sharing their health story supported their mental and physical health – of those, 41% of people reported feeling less anxious and 32% changed their lifestyle to adopt new, healthier habits.
Taking us inside the campaign, Fiona Bosman, global brand director at Bupa, says: “Through Health Stories, we want to highlight the benefits of sharing personal experiences and break down taboos that are preventing people from talking about their health. No matter what the concern, people should feel empowered to get the care and support they need – and a simple conversation can help spark that.”
And the next time someone asks how you’re doing? Try opening up – you might just feel better for it.
For more inspiring real-life health stories, visit Bupa.com.
