Mental Health Foundation Welcomes New Health Guidance But Calls For A Holistic Approach

In response to the ‘Choosing Health: Supporting the physical health needs of people with severe mental illness’ guidance published by the Department of Health, Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: “This is a welcome step in the right direction. We know that exercise and a balanced diet can maintain mental well-being. Good physical health is also important for people with severe mental health problems as they are more likely to develop serious physical ailments such as diabetes or heart disease.

“However, with mental ill-health costing the UK almost £100 billion a year*, it is imperative that the Government view this as a step on the way to improvement. They must continue to develop this holistic approach and include those with more moderate mental health problems. We know that, not only can these conditions present themselves as physical symptoms, but exercise is an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression.”

In the UK, the economic and social cost of mental health problems in 2003/2004 was £98 billion (£17billion on health and social care, £28.3 billion in costs to the economy and £53.1 billion in human costs). Fundamental Facts (unpublished). London: Mental Health Foundation 2006.