Health and Physical Capacity

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Physical health can change how much energy, attention, movement, and emotional capacity are available.

The pressure may involve pain, illness, injury, disability, exhaustion, medication, substance effects, medical decisions, or concern about someone else.

A physical symptom should not automatically be treated as stress.

Stress should not automatically be treated as illness.

Both may be present.

This page can help you identify what requires attention and prepare for the next useful step.

Seek emergency medical help if someone may be experiencing:

• difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath; 
• chest pain, pressure, or other signs of a heart attack; 
• sudden weakness, numbness, facial drooping, confusion, or difficulty speaking; 
• loss of consciousness; 
• a seizure; 
• severe bleeding; 
• a severe allergic reaction; 
• a serious injury; 
• poisoning or a possible overdose; 
• rapidly worsening symptoms; 
• or another condition that appears life-threatening. 

Do not drive yourself if doing so may be unsafe.

Contact emergency services where you live or ask someone nearby to help.

If you are uncertain whether something is urgent, contact a qualified healthcare provider, pharmacist, poison centre, or local health-advice service. 

Before an appointment or call, identify the most important information.

You might say:   “This began on ________. Since then, it has changed in these ways: ________. It is affecting my ability to ________. I am concerned about ________.”

Questions you may want to ask include:

• “What needs to be ruled out?” 
• “What changes would mean I need urgent help?” 
• “What can I safely do while I wait?” 
• “Could this be related to a medication or interaction?” 
• “Are tests, follow-up, or another assessment needed?” 
• “When should I expect improvement?” 
• “Who should I contact if it becomes worse?” 
• “May I have the instructions in writing?” 

If possible, bring:

• your medication list; 
• allergies; 
• relevant medical information; 
• symptom notes; 
• photographs of visible changes; 
• questions you do not want to forget; 
• and someone who can listen, take notes, or help you communicate.

The barrier may be:

• cost; 
• transportation; 
• mobility; 
• childcare or caregiving; 
• language; 
• identification or paperwork; 
• lack of a regular healthcare provider; 
• difficulty using a phone or online system; 
• fear based on previous experiences; 
• discrimination; 
• or not knowing which service is appropriate. 

Name the barrier directly when asking for help.

You might ask:

• “Is there a lower-cost or publicly funded option?” 
• “Is telephone or virtual care available?” 
• “Is transportation assistance available?” 
• “Can an interpreter be provided?” 
• “Is the building accessible?” 
• “Can someone help me complete the forms?” 
• “Is there a cancellation list?” 
• “Where can I go if I do not have a regular provider?” 
• “Is there a patient advocate or social worker I can speak with?”

The difficulty reaching care is part of the situation.

It is not evidence that the health concern does not matter.