Useful Psychology Information: Importance of Mental Health
Mental Health Improves the Quality of Life
Peace of mind is a natural condition, and is available to everyone.
Mental Health Treatment Reduces Medical Costs
Many research studies have shown that when people receive appropriate mental health care, their use of medical services declines. For example, one study of people with anxiety disorders showed that after psychological treatment, the number of medical visits decreased by 90%, laboratory costs decreased by 50%, and overall treatment costs dropped by 35%.
Other studies have shown that people with untreated mental health problems visit a medical doctor twice as often as people who receive mental health care.
Excessive anxiety and stress can contribute to physical problems such as heart disease, ulcers, and colitis. Anxiety and stress can also reduce the strength of the immune system, making people more vulnerable to conditions ranging from the common cold to cancer.
Psychological problems also increase the likelihood that people will make poor behavioral choices which can contribute to medical problems. Smoking, excessive alcohol or drug use, poor eating habits, and reckless behavior can all result in severe physical problems and the need for medical services.
Mental Health is Good for Businesses
Businesses benefit when employees have good mental health. Mental health is associated with higher productivity, better performance, more consistent work attendance, and fewer workplace accidents.
Employers can strengthen and safeguard their businesses by choosing employee health plans with strong mental health benefits.
By eliminating the causes of productivity loss, absenteeism, and worker accidents, mental health services increase a company's efficiency, productive capacity, and quality of goods and services.
Peace of Mind: Buying Mental Health Insurance for Your Company -- An informational brochure for employers, produced by the Rhode Island Psychological Association.