While COVID-19 is well known for its physical impact, the rippling effect of the pandemic is taking an equally large toll on mental health. A survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 35.6% of adults reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, compared to 11% last year. Elongated periods of isolation, loneliness, and fear of job loss, among other stressors, have created a perfect storm for poor mental health. In addition, research from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine suggests the disease itself may cause depression-like symptoms by using the nose and central nervous system to reach the brain.

Beyond the significant emotional toll of mental illness, studies show that mental health plays a large role in physical health, and vice versa. Unfortunately, the systems for treating mental and physical health in the US continue to operate largely independent from one another. Both have their own unique challenges, but they share a glaring need for tighter integration to achieve better outcomes for patients.

Right now, mental and physical healthcare are treated in separate, modular units. Modular systems typically work best when the components fit together in crisp, understood ways 100% of the time. But this is not the case with the link between mental and physical health. Though they are intrinsically connected, how they interact with each other is unique to each patient. Their relationship lacks the predictability that modularity requires.

Because the interplay between mental and physical health is too unpredictable to effectively address them separately, it’s better for a single system to integrate and control both components. Integrating mental and physical health into one comprehensive service not only improves care quality, but allows providers to consistently address the unique ways mental and physical health impact each patient.

Read the full article about mental health care by Jessica Plante at Christensen Institute.