Equally Well Consensus Statement: Improving the physical health and wellbeing of people living with mental illness in Australia

By National Mental Health Commission          [Download Resource]

‘QUALITY OF LIFE — EQUALITY IN LIFE
Mental health and wellbeing is a basic human right often denied to many in our community. People living with mental illness have poorer physical health, yet they receive less and lower quality health care than the rest of the population – and die younger. People with psychosis die between 14 and 23 years earlier than the general population.

Collectively we are committing to change this situation as it must not continue.
Person centred design principles require a holistic and inclusive approach, focused on the mental, physical, social and emotional wellbeing of the individual, families, and the community more broadly. Effective health promotion, prevention, early intervention and a continuous focus on recovery, with quality physical and mental health care, will help people living with mental illness live healthy, contributing lives, both socially and economically.

We call for national, state/territory and regional commitment to action to improve the physical health and wellbeing of people living with mental illness’

Key Content Areas:

• Our consensus
• Scope
• The reasons why
• Essential elements

Equality in health is a basic human right for all Australians. However, it is well known that people living in our community with mental illness have poorer physical health. They are not receiving the health care that the rest of the population does – and they die younger. This situation must not continue.