MENTAL wellbeing should be given as much focus as physical illness, according to the doctor responsible for improving Glasgow’s poor health record.

Dr Linda de Caestecker described mental illness as a “major challenge” for the board and said a greater emphasis on the issue had huge potential to improve the overall health of the population.

She cited poverty and poor housing as amongst the biggest determinants for mental wellbeing in her biennial report to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s board, which sets out priorities for the board in the coming year.

And she said tackling drug or alcohol addiction without looking at the root causes, was “destined to achieve a poor outcome.”

Dr de Caestecker cited a school’s survey which showed that lesbian, gay and bisexual pupils experience poorer mental health with higher rates of substance abuse and bullying than their heterosexual counterparts.

Glasgow Times:

Dr Linda de Caestecker, NHSGGC Director of Public Health

Figures show there is almost three times the rate for mental and emotional health problems and double the prevalence of bullying.

According to the latest data, NHSGGC was one of only six boards to meet a target for 90% of children and young people to start treatment for the most serious mental health issues within 18 weeks of being referred.

Dr de Caestecker said: “Promoting mental health not only helps people lead longer and healthier lives, but is also very cost effective.

“However, one of the biggest challenges we face is improving the health of people suffering the effects of disadvantage due to poverty and the resultant social exclusion and discrimination.

“Working with our partners we’re determined to tackle issues such as poverty, unemployment, poor employment prospects and housing in order to improve the health of people across the board area.

“Good mental health is more than the absence of diagnosable mental health problems.

“It is an asset that helps us thrive, be physically healthier and enables us to fulfil key functions and activities. It helps us to form and maintain relationships, learn, work and cope with change or difficult circumstances.”

Research has indicated that savings of around £11billion a year a could be made in the UK’s health service if there was greater integration between services aimed at improving mental and physical health.