In a sobering national study, Rethink Mental Illness has highlighted a stark “mortality gap” for people living with severe mental illness (SMI). Analyzing NHS records, the report finds that individuals with SMI are five times more likely to die before reaching 75, often succumbing to chronic physical conditions years earlier than their peers.

Early death and chronic disease

People with SMI die on average 15‑20 years sooner than the general population. The data show they develop long‑term illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure and liver disease at younger ages. Before age 75, the relative risk of death is:

• 6.3 times higher from liver disease
• 6.0 times higher from a respiratory disease
• 3.8 times higher from a cardiovascular disease
• 2.25 times higher from cancer

While suicide rates are elevated in this group, the report emphasizes that physical disease accounts for a larger share of premature deaths.

Lifestyle factors and systemic barriers

Approximately 40 % of people with SMI smoke, compared with 13 % of the broader adult population. Smoking accounts for roughly half of all deaths among those with SMI. Poor diet, low physical activity and substance misuse are also more common, often tied directly to the challenges of living with a serious mental health condition.

Beyond personal habits, the researchers point to systemic shortcomings. A fragmented health system, lacking integrated physical and mental care, leads to “diagnostic overshadowing”—where physical symptoms are misattributed to mental illness and left uninvestigated. Poverty further compounds the problem, limiting access to nutritious food, affordable health services and increasing stress.

Calls for integrated, person‑centered care

The report urges a shift toward holistic, person‑centered treatment. It highlights promising strategies such as personalized care plans, peer support, trusted companions, and environments that encourage participation. Co‑designing interventions with people who have lived experience also improves effectiveness.

By addressing both lifestyle risks and the structural gaps in health delivery, the authors argue that the mortality gap can be narrowed, giving people with severe mental illness a fair chance at a longer, healthier life.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.