June 27, 2023 – Stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses all negatively impact an individual’s overall health. Indeed, mental illness is one of the most common health conditions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50% of people will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point during their lifetime. These conditions also lead to an increased risk of physical health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Mental health conditions can make it difficult for an individual to maintain balance in everyday life. Several factors can contribute to a mental illness diagnosis including trauma, abuse, or chronic conditions. Mental health can change over time depending on factors such as increased stress, biological characteristics, and lifestyle.
Looking after one’s mental health encompasses managing active life stressors and taking action to maintain future well-being. Several healthcare insurance companies recently announced more steps they are taking to integrate behavioral health coverage into their services.
Stressors due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led more young adults, healthcare workers, and Americans in general to seek mental health resources. “The vast majority of Americans are struggling with their mental health. With the irreversibly accelerating need for mental health care comes a decrease in the stigma associated with getting care,” said Dr. Doug Nemecek, Chief Behavioral Health Officer of Evernorth Health Services, the pharmacy, care, and benefits solution division of The Cigna Group.
Mental health services are costly for the patient and for the nation. Untreated behavioral health conditions increase the utilization and cost of care for physical conditions, costing billions of dollars annually. Depression alone is also responsible for $44 billion lost in productivity, according to Dr. Nemecek and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. There are significant implications to the economy if individuals do not get the behavioral health services they need.
Read more in the latest issue of Repertoire Magazine.