Having a mental illness can make it more challenging to stay physically healthy.
Some of the reasons for this are:
the symptoms of a mental illness can make it harder to exercise, eat well or give up smoking
certain medications can have side effects that cause physical health problems
health professionals sometimes focus on a person's mental health, rather than their physical health
genetic risk factors (certain genes can make it more likely that a person goes on to develop mental illness. These same genes may also play a part in physical health issues).
There are some things you can do to give yourself the best chance of staying physically well.
Helping yourself
Know what to look out for
People living with a serious mental illness (for example schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or severe depression) are more likely to
high blood pressure
heart problems
problems with teeth and gums
drug and alcohol issues
other long-term health conditions, such as diabetes and asthma.
If you know what the risks are, you and your health-care team can work together to help you stay as healthy as possible.
Make some small changes
Changing just one thing can start to improve your physical health.
Try to:
replace sugary drinks with plain water
walk when you might normally drive or catch public transport
join a quit smoking program
eat regular meals
make use of the time when you feel good to cook meals.
Get regular physical health checkups
Ask your GP (family doctor) or psychiatrist for a physical health check-up if you haven't had it for a while. You should have a physical health check-up at least once a year.
In a health check-up, your doctor can:
Ask about your medical history
Ask about your lifestyle (for example, if you smoke or how much you exercise)
Measure your weight
Check your blood pressure
Ask about alcohol, smoking and drug use
Order a blood test for cholesterol or blood sugar levels
Get some exercise
Being active is important for staying physically healthy. People often find that exercise can improve their mental health symptoms.
Find a sport or activity that works for you, and start slowly.
If you already attend a mental health support group, ask for ideas or support to get your own exercise group together.
Eat well
Eating well is important for your energy, health and mood.
Eating well means:
eating plenty of fruit, vegetables and legumes (beans, peas, lentils etc.)
choosing wholemeal bread, rice and pasta
cutting down on sugary drinks and food containing lots of fat, sugar and salt
drinking plenty of water
limiting alcohol.
Look after your teeth and gums
To make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy:
ask your doctor about how smoking and cola drinks can damage teeth and gums
ask if your medication can affect your teeth
brush your teeth twice a day
replace sugary drinks with plain water
have a check up with a dentist once a year.
Ask about the benefits and risks of your medication
Talk to your GP or psychiatrist about the benefits and risks of the medications you take.
Some medications have side effects, such as weight gain or making you feel unmotivated. Antipsychotics can affect blood sugar levels, cholesterol and weight.
Ask if it’s possible to change medications or adjust your dose to reduce any effects on your physical health.
Helping someone with their physical health
If you are a family member, friend or carer of someone with mental illness, there are a number of ways you can help them to improve their physical health.
Set goals together
Help the person you are looking after to choose 1-3 simple and acheiveable goals for their physical health.
For example:
walk for 20 minutes each evening
on Sundays, make a meal plan for the week
drink plain water with meals.
Be a good example
As a family member or friend, your own actions can influence the person you’re looking after.
Think about:
cutting back on your own alcohol or tobacco use
cooking healthy food together
drawing up a shared daily timetable for shopping, cooking and eating.
Work with the health-care team
It’s important that people feel comfortable with the professionals working with them.
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