Call for focus on physical health as well as mental health

Organisations call for focus on physical health as well as mental health

7 November 2014

A group of organisations and individuals are working together to identify what needs to happen to close the physical health gap between people who experience mental health and/or addiction issues, and those who don’t.

Health, mental health, addiction and consumer organisations are getting involved in Equally Well – a new initiative started by Te Pou and Platform Trust. The initiative aims to improve physical health outcomes for people experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues.

People with mental health and/or addiction issues are more likely to experience physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and other physical illnesses. They also have a greater risk of dying prematurely – around 10-20 years earlier than people who don’t experience these issues.

Equally Well is holding a summit at University of Otago in Wellington on Monday 10 November. The group will look at what needs to happen in New Zealand to start turning the situation around.

Equally Well project lead Helen Lockett says, “We’ve known for some time that people experiencing mental health and/or addiction issues also often experience physical health problems. Recent research has shown the true extent of the problem in New Zealand, and it’s unacceptable.

“This is the first time organisations have committed to working together to address the issue, and it’s incredibly exciting to see.

“We’ve seen examples of programmes already underway in services which are proving to be effective at supporting people to improve their physical health as well as their mental health. What we need now is to look at how this evidence can be applied in other services and organisations.”

Equally Well has published a consensus position paper which outlines the driving principles, which are policy recognition, equal access and personal support. A number of organisations have endorsed the paper including Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, and the New Zealand Medical Association.

Helen Lockett says New Zealand’s situation is similar to other countries.

“Similar initiatives are underway in the UK and Australia. Equally Well is part of a growing international movement. There’s a real groundswell of people here and overseas who are committed to bringing about change.”

For more information visit www.tepou.co.nz/equallywell.

ENDS

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