AmeriHealth Caritas: Men Face Particular Risk for Depression During COVID-19 Pandemic
Men Experience Higher Levels of Stress as Crisis Continues
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Infographic courtesy AmeriHealth Caritas
Job loss, a key fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a strong emotional trigger for men. According to the
“Men frequently have much of their self-worth tied up in their work. That makes times of high unemployment, when a new job is much harder to come by, particularly hard on their psychological well-being,” said
According to Moghimi, efforts to support men to seek help should start by encouraging them to look at depression as a physical health problem, not just a mental health one. Research confirms this concern: a 2014
Further, the link between COVID-19, chronic disease, and depression is amplified in communities of color, noted Moghimi. The pandemic has compounded long-existing social and health disparities that affect Black men, which could be exacerbated by depression. Recent statistics from the
“This is further evidence that behavioral health is a critical component of physical health,” said
With that in mind,
- Visit a primary care provider (PCP) at least once per year: An annual wellness visit is an opportunity to be screened for risk factors of depression, as most people get behavioral health treatment in a primary care setting.
- Avoid social isolation: Social distancing guidelines enacted by many jurisdictions during the pandemic actually refer to being physically distant from others. People can and should still remain socially connected on a regular basis.
- Exercise regularly: In addition to the physical health benefits, vigorous exercise can help your mental state of mind.
- Participate in support groups: Check out organizations in your community and social media platforms that can provide you support and ideas for dealing with depression. The federal
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also has a Disaster Distress Helpline: call 1-800-985-5990 (TTY 1-800-846-8517) or text TalkWithUs to 66746. - Look at therapy as a conversation: When depression requires treatment by a behavioral health clinician, view therapy as a conversation with a neutral perspective. In the hopes of breaking the stigma many men associate with behavioral health care, PCPs and others should frame this treatment in the same way.
About AmeriHealth Caritas
AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 13 states and the
1 Men & Depression.
2 Rao A.H. When Losing Your Job Feels Like Losing Your Self.
3 “Depression and heart disease: A two-way street.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200721005757/en/
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Source: AmeriHealth Caritas
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