May is Mental Health month, a time dedicated to fight stigma and support mental health awareness. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota recognizes that mental health care is an important component of overall health care. That’s why we invest in innovative behavioral health programs and take part in activities to raise awareness for mental health.

"Mental health affects us all. The more open and honest conversation we can have about treating mental illnesses like any other health issue, the healthier we will all be," says Brendan Shane, director of behavioral health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.

"The more open and honest conversation we can have about treating mental illnesses like any other health issue, the healthier we will all be."

The need for support is great

A Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Health of America Report found that more than 9 million commercially insured Americans have been diagnosed with depression.

Unfortunately, more than two million members across the 36 Blue plans are not receiving any treatment for major depression, the Association also reports. That leaves  them at greater risk for other health challenges.

This report also found that eighty five percent of people who experience depression also have one or more serious chronic health issues, showing how major depression affects overall health.

“Many studies have shown how people suffering from depression can end up with other complex issues such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of substance use disorder,” Shane says.

Supporting innovative mental health programs

Many Blue Cross members have access to Learn to Live, an online program that helps participants build strong coping strategies using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)  techniques.

Through completion of a series of lessons, along with the option of behavioral health coaching, participants can gain concrete coping strategies to help reduce depression, stress, anxiety, worry and insomnia.

The Learn to Live program has been particularly successful among college students. Since offering Learn to Live to students free of charge, the University of Minnesota was named a Blue Cross Trailblazer to recognize the program’s success. Read their story.

Raising awareness for mental health

Because of the impact mental health has on our overall health, every year Blue Cross partners with NAMI to support the nation’s largest mental health fundraiser and awareness event: a family-friendly walk. This year’s Twin Cities walk will happen at the end of September.

Joining a local NAMI walk is one way you can help reduce the stigma and stand up for mental health treatment. Other ways you can help include having a conversation with a loved one about mental health, considering whether mental health treatment would benefit you, or accessing any of NAMI’s free resources here.

“Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health,” Shane says. “We see mental health as a connection to the whole person. Support and reducing the stigma of mental health helps people access the treatment they need when they need it. Blue Cross is proud to support efforts to bring attention to mental health.”

Resources for help

In an effort to address suicide prevention across the state, Minnesota offers text-based suicide prevention services 24/7 for people who text MN to 741741.  People are connected with a counselor who helps defuse the crisis and connect the texter to local resources.

Finally, it is important to know your health plan coverage and benefits. By visiting bluecrossmn.com, you can find more information, including signs of depression, treatment options and doctors who may be able to treat you.

The report mentioned is part of the Health of America series from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The full report findings can be found here: "Two million commercially insured Americans diagnosed with major depression are not seeking any treatment."