Every May, we celebrate National Mental Health Awareness Month — an opportunity to shed light on the importance of mental health and how we can better support ourselves and each other. It’s a time to spread awareness, educate the public, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.
The Prevalence of Mental Health Issues
Mental health is just as important as physical health — a fact underscored over the past few years. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly 25% of persons worldwide will be affected by a mental or neurological disorder at some point, yet 66% of those individuals never seek professional help. The reasons vary, but stigma and discrimination are among the significant barriers.
In the US, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that approximately 20% of adults experience mental illness yearly, with 5% experiencing severe mental illness. Among youth, 16% of US individuals aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder yearly.
Maintaining and Improving Your Mind
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to maintaining and improving mental health. However, research has shown that certain activities can positively impact your mental outlook.
Physical activity – Regular physical activity is beneficial. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that exercise can help alleviate long-term depression and anxiety. Just a simple 30-minute walk each day can significantly boost your mood and reduce stress.
Balanced diet – The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found a strong correlation between high-quality diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein and a lower risk of depression.
Sleep – Getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night is vital.
Mindfulness and meditation – Mindfulness and meditation can reduce stress and keep worrying and anxiety at bay.
Social connections – Maintaining strong social relationships can help. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2019 indicated that social isolation and loneliness are associated with increased mortality. Recently, the US Surgeon General raised the alarm about the impact of loneliness and isolation on our mental state.
Seek help – If you or a loved one needs immediate help, dial 988. Lifeline Chat and Text is a service of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, connecting individuals with crisis counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat or texting 988.
There are online, phone, virtual, and face-to-face individual therapies. There are also group therapies for those seeking help with substance abuse therapy.
Insurance Coverage
With the passage of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) in 2008, insurers in the US are required to provide coverage for mental health and substance use disorders that is no more restrictive than the coverage for medical and surgical conditions. If your health insurance plan covers outpatient services, emergency care, and prescription drugs for physical health conditions, it must also cover these services for mental health conditions.
However, coverage can vary significantly depending on the specific health plan. Some insurance plans may cover a certain number of therapy sessions, while others may offer coverage for particular types of treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication management. Please get in touch with us or your insurance company for clarification if you are unsure.
Final Thoughts
This National Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s commit to breaking down mental health stigma. Let’s talk openly about mental health, educate ourselves and others, and ensure everyone can access the care they need.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s essential to check in on those around you regularly.
Taking the Next Step: Call Us Today
We’ve discussed the importance of mental health and how specific insurance plans can help cover mental health services.
Don’t let uncertainty stand in your way. We can help answer your questions: What mental health services are covered under your plan? Are there limits to the number of therapy sessions covered per year? Are specific types of treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication management, covered?
Knowing what services are available to you is the first step towards getting the help you or a loved one might need. It can be a daunting conversation to have, but remember; it’s a conversation worth having.
This National Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s not just spread awareness and educate ourselves — let’s take action. Mental health matters and it’s time we treat it with the same urgency and importance as physical health. So, pick up the phone and start the conversation today. Your mental health is worth it.
