Mental health crisis driving $14T health care cost
Lower-income individuals bear a disproportionate burden of chronic conditions, exacerbating their economic challenges.
People with mental health diagnoses face higher rates of chronic illnesses, highlighting the interconnectedness of mental and physical health, according to a new report from the Meharry School of Global Health and the Deloitte Health Equity Institute. The report found mental health inequities across the United States could lead to $14 trillion in costs between now and 2040 if not addressed.
Lower-income individuals bear a disproportionate burden of chronic conditions, exacerbating their economic challenges, while racial and ethnic disparities persist in health care, said the report. These key issues lead to unnecessary health care spending and contribute to productivity loss, especially among marginalized groups that face higher rates of unemployment due to mental health challenges.
The report studied the overlap of mental health and physical health conditions including diabetes, stroke, hypertension, ischemia and HIV. Among its findings are that people of all ages with mental health conditions have a higher prevalence of chronic physical conditions and vice versa. In addition, lower-income individuals with mental health conditions have a higher prevalence of chronic conditions compared with higher-income individuals.
About 90% of Americans believe the country is experiencing a mental health crisis, and their opinions appear to be justified as prescriptions for antidepressants rose 15% between 2015 and 2019 for adults and 38% for adolescents. Trends in mental illness and substance use disorders that were worsening prior to the pandemic have escalated since 2020, noted the study.
Related: Mental health challenges lead to billions of lost working days
To mitigate the worsening impact of poor mental health on our nation, society should address the underlying factors that contribute to these challenges, including the broader political and social factors that shape the opportunities people have for a healthy lifestyle along with access to care.
According to the World Health Organization, one strategy to address mental health inequities is through integrated care approaches, which can reduce cultural stigma, improve access to mental health services, lower health care costs, and enhance economic stability by ensuring equitable participation in the workforce.