Maternal Mental Health is Getting Worse. Here is What Blue Cross is Doing to Help
Lindsay Knake
| 4 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross B...
Key Takeaways
- A new study found mental health among American mothers has declined during the past several years.
- Declining mental health is linked to physical health problems such as heart disease and diabetes.
- Blue Cross is working to improve access to mental health care through crisis services, virtual visits and embedded behavioral health professionals in primary care offices.
The mental health of American mothers has declined in the past several years, according to a new study.
A self-reported study of more than 198,000 mothers of children age 17 and younger found mental health worsened across all groups from 2016 to 2023. The information came from the National Survey of Children’s Health, which is an annual, nationally representative survey in the United States.
Learn more about the results of the study, the connection between mental health and physical health and what Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is doing to improve access to care.
Maternal mental and physical health
In 2016, 38% of mothers reported their mental health was “excellent.” But in 2023, about 26% of mothers said the same. Women who said their mental health was “good” rose from about 19% to 26%. Those who reported fair or poor mental health increased from 5.5% in 2016 to 8.5% in 2023.
Mothers who are single parents and who have uninsured children were among those with declining mental health. In the survey, nearly 6.5% of respondents had an uninsured child.
Declining mental health is connected to physical health. Chronic stress and anxiety are associated with new or worsening health conditions such as:
- Higher risk of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Worsening diabetes
There are steps individuals can take to manage their mental health, such as:
- Practicing stress management
- Getting regular exercise
- Maintaining health relationships
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting professional help
Women who experience postpartum depression should see immediate medical care for both the health of the mother and the infant as depression can disrupt bonding.
However, mental health isn’t something moms need to do or can do alone. Mental health is complex and connected to genetic and environmental factors. The researchers noted the survey measures perceptions of mental health rather than clinical diagnoses. The theories in the declining mental health of mothers includes:
- Social isolation
- Limited access to mental health care
- Economic stressors
- Increased substance use disorders
What Blue Cross is doing to address mental health
Providing behavioral health care is a critical part of addressing mental and physical health. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan offers:
- Access to virtual health care visits through Virtual Care by Teladoc Health®, formerly Blue Cross Online Visits℠. Members can visit with a board-certified doctor or mental health expert online from anywhere in the U.S.
- Embedding behavioral health professionals in primary care offices – offering more direct access to mental health care to patients – to address the rising demand for help.
- Depression screenings and behavioral assessments for children are preventive services covered with no copayment.
- Crisis Care Services, which offers immediate support for mental health and substance use.
Since 2005, Blue Cross has awarded nearly $20 million to fund free health clinics through its Strengthening the Safety Net program. The staff at these clinics address both mental and physical health care to underinsured Michigan residents.
True affordability and health care means caring for the whole person - including mental health. When people have access to the mental health support they need, they are more likely to stay healthier overall, reducing the need for costly medical interventions. By breaking down stigma and expanding access to mental health services, we can support whole person wellness, protect access and make health care more affordable.
Learn more about how Blue Cross is making health care more affordable here.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network can also help members find an in-network mental health professional by calling behavioral health access lines:
- PPO: Behavioral Health Access Line | 1-800-762-2382
A free and confidential resource that’s just a call away when you need immediate support. Behavioral health professionals answer, 24/7.
- HMO: Behavioral Health Access Line | 1-800-482-5982
Connect with a behavioral health clinician if you need help finding a mental health or substance use provider. Behavioral health clinicians are available for routine assistance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For urgent concerns after hours, clinicians are also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Learn more about mental health and options you have as a member to seek help at bcbsm.com/mentalhealth.
Image: Getty Images
Related:
