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Physical health

We are committed to providing a holistic and integrated NHS service to benefit the overall health and wellbeing of our patients and carers.

Did you know that people with mental health problems are on average, predicted to live 10-25 years less than the general population?

Why?

  • The rates of smoking among the general population have reduced consistently since the 1970’s, to a rate of around 17% of the population. However, the rates of smoking in those with a mental health problem have roughly stayed the same – around 40%. This puts this population at significant risk of dying earlier and having a poorer quality of life (1)
  • It is estimated that around 40% of people with depression and anxiety disorders also have a comorbid long-term health condition, such as asthma, coronary heart disease and diabetes (2)
  • Around 30% of people with a long term health condition and around 70% with medically unexplained symptoms have been found to have mental health comorbidities (2)
  • More than two thirds of people treated for drug or alcohol misuse have experienced mental health issues. People with co-existing substance misuse and mental health issues face significant barriers accessing services (3)
  • Evidence also suggests that there is a relationship present between depression and anxiety and obesity, with factors including low self-esteem, stigma, dieting and weight cycling, medication, unhealthy lifestyles, medication, reduced support and hormonal functional impairment affecting this(4)
  • A lack of sleep and/or sleep disorders has also been found to contribute towards mental health problems. (5)

Most of the issues mentioned above are health issues which can be completely avoided if the correct support and treatment is provided.

Get help

If you are a patient or a carer of a patient with us and would like to seek some support around your physical health, please discuss this with your clinician.

Alternatively, you can self-refer by emailing our Physical Health Lead. Please provide your name, date of birth and a telephone number for us to reach you on.

We are able to provide support (usually 1:1, but may sometimes be group work) on the following topics:

  • Alcohol misuse
  • Substance misuse
  • Smoking
  • Weight management
  • Sleep
  • Managing stress and introduction to mindfulness.