Living with mental illness presents unique challenges, including a higher risk of physical health issues, preventable hospitalisations, and shorter lifespans. This blog sheds light on the physical health implications faced by individuals with mental illness and explores the factors contributing to these challenges. Mental health professionals play a vital role, but the community also has a responsibility to support the physical wellbeing of individuals with mental illness. Let’s explore practical steps that the community can take to promote better physical health outcomes for individuals with mental illness.
Understanding the Impact:
- Mortality and Life Expectancy: People with mental illness have a mortality rate 2.2 times higher than those without, resulting in an average loss of 10 years of potential life.
- Factors Contributing to Physical Health Comorbidities: Socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, limited access to quality healthcare, systemic issues in healthcare delivery, adverse effects of medications, and lack of healthcare professional capability contribute to physical health challenges.
Implications of Physical Comorbidity:
- Increased Disability: Individuals with severe mental illness face higher levels of disability due to both physical and mental health conditions.
- Workforce Participation and Poverty: Physical health issues can reduce workforce participation, increase the likelihood of poverty, and lead to dependency on welfare support.
Understanding the Prevalence:
- Approximately 42% of people with mental illness also have a long-term physical health condition.
- Common physical conditions include arthritis, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and lung conditions.
Substance Use and Mental Illness:
- Substance use is strongly associated with mental health issues and physical health conditions.
- People with mental illness are more likely to engage in risky drinking behaviours, illicit drug use, and smoking.
The Impact of COVID-19:
- The pandemic has exacerbated mental health and physical well-being challenges for individuals with mental illness.
- Access to healthcare has been hindered, leading to potential acute and long-term health consequences.
Taking Action – The Workplace:
- Create a supportive work environment: Foster a workplace culture that promotes mental health awareness and supports employees with mental illness. This includes providing reasonable accommodations, flexible work arrangements, and promoting work-life balance.
- Encourage physical activity: Promote physical activity by providing opportunities for exercise during breaks or organising workplace wellness programs. Encourage employees to take short walks or stretch during the workday.
- Combat stigma: Educate employees about mental health conditions and work towards reducing stigma and discrimination in the workplace. Encourage open conversations about mental health and provide resources for employees to seek support.
Taking Action – Friends and Family:
- Foster a non-judgmental environment: Create a safe and supportive space for individuals with mental illness to discuss their physical health concerns without judgement. Encourage open communication and active listening.
- Encourage healthy lifestyle choices: Support individuals with mental illness in making healthy choices by promoting regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep. Offer to engage in physical activities together or cook nutritious meals.
- Provide emotional support: Emotional support plays a crucial role in promoting overall wellbeing. Offer a listening ear, validate their experiences, and encourage them to seek professional help when needed.
Taking Action – Healthcare Providers:
- Integrated care: Encourage healthcare providers to adopt an integrated approach that addresses both mental and physical health. Advocate for coordinated care between mental health and primary care providers to ensure comprehensive treatment.
- Regular physical health assessments: Encourage healthcare providers to regularly monitor the physical health of individuals with mental illness, especially those on psychotropic medications. This includes screenings for metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular health, and diabetes.
- Collaboration and education: Foster collaboration between mental health and physical health professionals through interdisciplinary training and educational programs. This can enhance their ability to address complex comorbidities effectively.
Taking Action – Community Organisations and Support Groups:
- Raise awareness: Community organisations and support groups can play a crucial role in raising awareness about the physical health challenges faced by individuals with mental illness. Conduct workshops, seminars, or webinars to educate the community about the importance of holistic care.
- Advocate for policy changes: Work together to advocate for policy changes that prioritise the physical health needs of individuals with mental illness. This includes improved access to healthcare, reduced financial barriers, and the integration of mental and physical health services.
- Promote peer support: Facilitate peer support networks where individuals with mental illness can connect with others who share similar experiences. Peer support can provide a sense of belonging, encouragement, and inspiration for maintaining physical wellbeing.
The Bottom Line
Recognising and addressing the physical health challenges faced by individuals with mental illness is crucial for providing comprehensive care. By taking practical steps at the workplace, among friends and family, within healthcare systems, and through community initiatives, we can bridge the gap between mental and physical healthcare, improve overall well-being, and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with mental illness. Together, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment that prioritises the physical health of all individuals, regardless of their mental health status.
Author Teresa Coffey
Sources
Sara, G., et al. (2021). Study on preventable hospitalisations in people with severe mental disorders in Australia.
Walker, E. R., et al. (2015). Mortality in mental disorders and global disease burden implications: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Lawrence, D., et al. (2013). The gap in life expectancy from preventable physical illness in psychiatric patients in Western Australia: Retrospective analysis of population based registers.
RANZCP. (2015). Keeping Mind and Body Together: Improving the Physical Health and Life Expectancy of People with Mental Illness.
ABS. (2022a). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
AIHW. (2022). Alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
Department of Health. (2017). Fifth National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.
National Mental Health Commission. (2022). Equally Well Consensus Statement.
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