Research shows that the death rate for people with mental disorders is, on average, 2.22 times higher than that of people in the general population, and those with a serious mental illness (typically defined as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression) have a 10-25 year life expectancy reduction. The majority of these untimely deaths are blamed on natural causes, such as acute or chronic illnesses (heart diseases, pulmonary diseases, infectious diseases) and is due, in part, to lifestyle choices. You can read more about the supportive research here.
"This Behavioral Health Quality of Life tool plays a key role in the overall health of patients with bipolar disorder. We've learned that the physical health of the person with bipolar disorder directly influences their ability to function day-to-day, largely due to the effect of physical health and diet on their thinking processes and their ability to regulate their mood. The care of bipolar disorder must involve both careful attention to mental and physical health aspects. This tool will assist the person in taking positive steps towards overall health." - Roger S. McIntyre, M.D., FRCPC. Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto, Executive Director of the Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, and Head of the Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit at the University Health Network.