An analysis of New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) data highlights the physical health needs of people who experience mental health issues.
Findings highlight the poor physical health of people who experience mental health conditions as a health equity issue. For example, while not inevitable, people with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression were more likely to have had a stroke or to experience chronic pain compared to people without a diagnosis of anxiety or depression. Despite this higher health need, people with depression and anxiety do not experience the same access to, and quality of, health care.
Read about the key findings and recommended actions for improving people’s wellbeing.