Almost 9% of men reported feeling anxious and depressed daily, according to 2010-2013 survey data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What’s worse, only 41% of those men had recently addressed the problem with medication or by speaking to a mental health professional.
“In some cultures, emotional vulnerability can be seen as a sign of weakness for men,” said Britany Alexander, MD, a psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. Suppressing these feelings can lead to depression and anxiety, she stressed. “Other signs of depression can include insomnia or oversleeping, appetite changes, fatigue, and loss of interest in things that would normally bring joy such as hobbies, time with family, and even sexual intimacy.”
And then the COVID-19 crisis began, bringing the risk of illness and death, disruptions in school and work routines, economic strain, and loneliness from social distancing – all of which take a toll on mental health.
In “COVID-19 and MENtal Health,” a 2021 article published in American Journal of Men’s Health, the authors wrote that “men should not be excluded from the conversation about the mental health implications of the pandemic… In June 2020, men reported slightly lower rates of anxiety than women, but had higher rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal* ideation.” In fact, the authors go on to note, “the suicide mortality rate of men is nearly four times the rate of women.”
Recognizing the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on people’s mental health, AHIP partnered early on with Psych Hub – which provides patients and providers with high quality and engaging online education resources on mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention.
“We've seen all of the statistics that when someone has poor mental health and they're not doing well, it affects their physical health – ER visits, substance use, and every specialty,” said Marjorie Morrison, CEO of Psych Hub, in an episode of AHIP’s Next Big Thing in Health podcast. “Mental health is a part of our life.”
Health insurance providers are supporting programs and policies that raise patient awareness of the importance and availability of mental health counseling, reduce stigma, integrate mental health support with primary care, collaborate with providers, and proactively address each individual’s mental health needs.
Expanding Access to Mental Health Support
To make it easier for people to get the care they need, many plans have expanded mental health benefits, and reduced or eliminated cost sharing for patients. Some health insurance providers are also delivering support and grants to increase capacity at existing community organizations.
Health insurance providers have also been expanding coverage of telehealth appointments, including virtual mental health counseling, to increase capacity for providers and ease access for patients.
And their efforts are working. A new AHIP survey found nearly 3 in 4 Americans (73%) say they found it easy to get the mental health care they needed, and nearly all respondents who sought out care received it. More than two-thirds were able to find a provider within a month.
Strengthening the Mental Health Workforce
Health insurance providers also support policies that aim to strengthen the mental health workforce. By expanding scholarships and loan repayment programs, companies are making it easier for more people to enter the field.
Integrating Mental Health Support With Primary Care
Often the first call a person makes when they are unwell is to a primary care provider — who are invested in their patients’ overall health. Health insurance providers support integrating mental and physical health care, which can make it easier for people to manage their conditions, treatment, and medication within the larger context of their health and daily life – reducing barriers to care.
*If you or someone you know is struggling, your health insurance provider may be able to help. Learn more about your options here.