Mental health of the chronically sick

[Northerner]

It is well established that people with long-term conditions such as diabetes or heart disease have higher rates of mental health problems (Chronic illness 'fuels hidden suicide trend', 23 August). There is a close relationship between mental and physical ill health, with cause and effect running in both directions. This is the subject of ongoing research at the King's Fund. However, health services are not always well equipped to deal with the twin needs of this group of people.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/aug/24/mental-health-of-chronically-sick