People living with severe mental illness in England face a persistent and unacceptable health inequality.
On average, they die 15-20 years earlier than the general population, mostly due to preventable physical illnesses. This is a crisis that demands urgent action.
Why we wrote this report
At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Our 'Closing the Mortality Gap' report shines a light on the complex drivers behind the mortality gap - like fragmented care, the impact of living with a mental illness, stigma and poverty - and sets out clear, practical steps for change.
We’ve worked with people severely affected by mental illness, health professionals, and community partners to develop solutions that work.
What we found
People living with a severe mental illness are more likely to develop long-term conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses.
They are disproportionately affected by smoking, poor diet, and low physical activity – often for reasons directly related to the experience of living with a mental illness.
Systemic issues - like lack of joined-up care and social exclusion - make things worse.
Our recommendations
- Integrate mental and physical healthcare for tailored, person-centred support.
- Shift from reactive to preventative approaches and focus on smoking cessation, healthy weight, and increasing physical activity.
- Upskill the health workforce to understand the relationship between physical and mental illness and provide suitable treatment.
- Ensure funding for physical health interventions.
- Use data to track progress and improve services.
- Involve people with lived experience in designing and delivering support.
Why policy makers should act
This report is essential reading for anyone who wants to make a difference - especially policy makers, commissioners, and public health professionals.
The evidence is clear: with targeted investment and joined-up action, we can close the mortality gap and give people affected by severe mental illness the future they deserve.
Download the full report
Ready to help drive change? Download our full report now and join us in tackling health inequalities for people living with severe mental illness.