Health promotion in mental illness

As we find ourselves in a new year, many of us are reflecting on the year gone by, and looking ahead to our new year's resolutions, and to what we want to achieve this year, even if that is not to have any resolutions, and to simply accept ourselves and enjoy our lives as they are. However, one area that is usually top of mind for most people every January—particularly after one (or several) too many cakes at Christmas—is the promotion of our health.

As we look to break old habits and form new ones, it is worth asking yourself how you might also support your patients in your brief but impactful encounters with them, to do the same. On p. 22 of the current issue of the Journal of Paramedic Practice, Maxine Cromar-Hayes discusses the importance of recognising the physical health needs of a person with mental illness or with mental health problems. As Cromar-Hayes points out, it is unfortunately easy for people now labelled as ‘mental health patients’ to have their physical health disregarded, rather than being treated in the holistic way every patient should.