Clinical practice points

There are many associations between physical and mental health, they are considered bi-directional and intricately linked. The Healthy Active Lives declaration is an international consensus focusing on tackling physical health in young people experiencing mental ill-health. It outlines a set of key principles and processes that support the goal of maintaining good physical health.

Young people experiencing mental ill-health have a shorter life expectancy of between 13–32 years. The same early intervention model we use in clinical services should be applied to work towards addressing the disparities in physical health outcomes of people with mental health problems.