Mental Health and Insurance
Why it’s Important to Receive Mental Health Care
Mental health comprises emotional, psychological, and social aspects of our lives. Being mentally healthy is vital to our ability to function effectively in our daily lives. When mental health concerns arise, it is important to address them because mental health care:• Improves overall quality of life. Addressing our mental health concerns allows us to enjoy life, form healthy relationships, find purpose, and engage in activities that are meaningful to us.
• Reduces the likelihood of substance abuse. People with poor mental health are at a higher risk of developing substance abuse issues. Mental health care can help treat the root causes of substance abuse problems.
• Prevents mental health disorders. Regular mental health care can help detect early signs of mental health disorders, making it easier to treat and prevent further complications.
• Promotes physical health. Mental health and physical health are connected. Taking care of your mental health can help reduce the risk of certain health conditions.
• Enhances school and work performance. Good mental health helps individuals focus, learn, and perform better at school or work.
How to Get Mental Health Care
Did you know that mental health care is essential for our overall health and well-being? Mental health affects physical health and poor mental health can lead to physical health problems, just like poor physical health can lead to mental health problems. For example, common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression have been linked to physical conditions like heart disease and stroke. It’s important for us to be advocates for our own mental health and address mental health issues early so we can help prevent the development of more severe health problems down the road.
Mental health care can help individuals live their best life. For instance, when left untreated, mental health conditions can interfere with daily functioning, work, and relationships. Mental health care can help us learn coping skills and techniques to manage our symptoms, which can ultimately improve our overall emotional and physical well-being. Again, it’s important to seek help early so that those experiencing mental health issues can recover and get treatment. Early intervention for mental health problems can prevent them from becoming more severe and potentially life-threatening. For instance, many mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can be effectively treated with therapy and/or medication.
We can all probably agree that seeking support for mental health issues can be difficult due to the stigma and discrimination that still exists. However, by seeking care and openly discussing our mental health struggles, we can help reduce the stigma and create a more supportive environment for others who are struggling with their mental health. There are also laws designed to increase access to health care for mental health and reduce stigma. For instance, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) is a federal law that requires health insurance plans to provide the same level of coverage for mental health treatment as they do for medical treatment. This means that health insurance plans must cover mental health treatment at the same level as they cover physical health treatment.
Seeking care for mental health issues should be viewed as a proactive step towards better health, rather than a sign of weakness. Now, let’s help you get started on your path of taking care of your mental health care by delving into some options that can help you get the support you deserve.
To see what options there are for mental health care, check out:
The Affordable Care Act mandates that all health insurance plans cover essential health benefits, including mental health. If you’re looking to sign up for health insurance, check out our Marketplace Open Enrollment guide.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, contact a mental health professional for support. If you need immediate assistance that is not life-threatening, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides a helpline for people experiencing mental health concerns: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
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