Someone whom I trusted, a man who facilitated a support group I was in, told us that people with mental illness tend to live shorter lives than people without mi. It does not surprise me, for a variety of reasons.

But, as others have pointed out, we have to take into account alcoholism, use of street drugs and the harsh lifestyle that goes along with using, and suicide.

That said, I believe the weight gain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, and diabetes, from some psych meds can cause early death.

Like many others, I hope to beat the odds. Personally, I believe being mindful of the ingredients in the food we eat is important. Usually.

Mental illness is a disease just like any other, unfortunately.