Australians encouraged to take care of their mental and physical health

The national mental health charity, SANE Australia, is encouraging Australians to look after their mental and physical health during Mental Health Week.

Mental Health Week starts with World Mental Health Day on Sunday 10 October, which this year focuses on the connection between mental health disorders and chronic illness.

This is important for everyone and particularly for people seriously affected by mental illness, who have some of the worst physical health in our community.

SANE Australia research has found 90 per cent of respondents affected by mental illness also reported having a chronic physical condition such as diabetes, heart disease or circulatory problems.  To exacerbate the problem, physical health concerns are often overlooked as health professionals focus on managing the person’s mental health.

SANE Australia’s Executive Director Barbara Hocking has urged all Australians to use Mental Health Week as a catalyst, not only to concentrate on their mental health, but also their physical wellbeing.

‘It can be tough for anyone at the best of times to get fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it’s an even greater hurdle for people who are living with a mental illness,’ Ms Hocking said.

‘Many people with mental illness are concerned about their general health, but symptoms such as lack of motivation, as well as financial pressures, social isolation and weight gain associated with some medications, make it particularly difficult to make healthy lifestyle changes.’

SANE Australia has developed a Healthy Living Kit to help people living with a mental illness to take action themselves and work towards a healthy lifestyle.

The kit comprises a DVD which features people living with mental illnesses who share their experiences of finding support and getting and staying healthy, as well as a Guide with practical information and tips on healthy living.

One Australian who has taken charge of his own physical and mental health is 40 year old John Spencer.

For many years John was laid low by the symptoms of schizophrenia and the side effects of his medications.  Following a medication adjustment, John quit his pack a day smoking habit, gave up coffee and took an interest in physical exercise.

He recently ran a half-marathon with his brother-in-law Jason Williams, and is now in training to complete a full marathon in 2011.  John said achieving these physical goals has also helped his overall mental health by boosting his personal confidence and feeling of self worth.

‘A healthy body is a healthy mind, a good distraction from your mental illness and great for your confidence,’ John said.

‘The advice I’d give to people is to believe in yourself, never give up and find a partner to work with who can support you along the way.’

(Source: SANE Australia)