Health Insurance: Mental Health is More Important Than Ever

Over the past year and a half, we have been consumed by thoughts about our health and safety. We have also learned that as much as people should care about their physical health, it can be hard to keep up with the demand. Between work, kids, school, bills, pets, and a global pandemic, people have struggled to make it to their yearly checkups. More and more people are starting to get back to their usual routine and prioritize their health by getting vaccinated, making sure they have health insurance, going to the doctor and dentist again, but it isn’t always easy. At the end of the day, there are so many responsibilities that we have and it may be hard to remember one of the most important health responsibilities: mental health.

Mental Health in America

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, last year, over 40 million adults in the United States (18% of the population) reported having anxious thoughts or anxiety disorders. This number sounds quite large, so just imagine how many adolescents, people that felt uncomfortable reporting and those that have not realized they have anxiety are also experiencing these struggles. As shocking as this number is, the number of people actually seeking care for their anxiety is much lower, only 36% of the 40 million. People often pass off their anxiety as something that everyone has and that will eventually go away. While some people are lucky and find relief after stressors are reduced, others suffer for a lifetime. Once you have anxiety it can transform into other mental illnesses like depression and anger disorders.

Reducing Stigma

For decades people have felt shame and disappointment when admitting their struggles with anxiety or depression. In recent years, there has been a massive push to reduce the stigma associated with mental health disorders. Through the use of medication and different forms of therapies people are finding relief every day. Many people might not know that anxiety and depression commonly have genetic links and can be triggered through stressful situations and life changes. If you feel like you have been struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, PDD substance abuse or another related mental illness, your health insurance can help you find answers.

Mental Health is as Important as Physical Health

In the year 2020, a year that forced so many people to face their mental illness head on, an amendment to the Mental Health Parity Act occurred. According to the Department of Managed Healthcare, health insurance companies must provide “full coverage for the treatment of all mental health conditions…”. There are also specific clinical and medical guidelines to make sure that these services are easily accessible to patients. Progression like this from health insurance providers urges people to prioritize their mental health just as they would prioritize their physical health. Make the time and put in the effort to take care of yourself. It is time well spent. Many times you will be able to secure the services you need with a reasonable copay. We are seeing more and more workplaces and schools promote mental health awareness through resources, workshops, therapy, inclusive health insurance plans and making sure that mental health is a part of the conversation. Your health insurance can also cover mental health resources for children and spouses. You do not have to walk through stressful times or difficult life changes alone and mental health resources do not have to break the bank. Check your health insurance plan to review your options today. Remember, mental health is a journey and not a destination.