Parents of children with mental health challenges are more likely to report struggling with their own mental health, according to Cigna.
The insurer and healthcare services company published a report explaining the effects of worsening youth mental health on the workforce on April 26. According to Cigna, parents of children with mental health challenges were 2.8 times more likely to report diminished mental health, and 2.7 times more likely to report having a mental health condition themselves.
For parents of children with mental health challenges, up to four work days each month may be disrupted by children's mental health needs, according to Cigna.
More than half of parents of children with mental health challenges reported difficulties getting treatment for their children. Difficulties finding a provider, cost and a lack of available appointments with mental health providers were among the most commonly cited challenges.
Employers can support employees' families' mental health in several ways, according to Cigna. Creating a workplace culture that alleviates stigma around family behavioral health and connects employees with community resources are two ways to do this, according to the report.
Employers provide health coverage for 57% of Americans under 65, according to Cigna. Employers can improve children's access to behavioral care by investing in benefits that guide families to evidence-based behavioral health treatment. Benefits design should also prioritize quick access to behavioral healthcare and integrated medical, pharmacy and behavioral benefits, according to Cigna.
Read more here.