The link between mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, and physical chronic diseases can affect multiple domains¹ of an individual’s health, including financial health, symptom management ² and overall quality of life. Managing a mental health condition can take additional time and energy away from individuals with chronic diseases working to manage their health and quality of life. For example, individuals with type 2 diabetes are more likely ³ to experience depressive symptoms than the general population, and they often deal with additional challenges ⁴ in managing both conditions, such as stabilizing blood glucose levels and adhering to multiple treatment plans at the same time. 

In order to proactively support populations experiencing both mental and physical chronic conditions, it’s essential to identify options that enable patients to successfully manage their chronic conditions. Studies have shown supportive care extensions, like digital health coaching⁵, can empower individuals to seek out care that addresses their mental health needs in a safe yet confidential manner, while also providing support for physical health conditions. 

To further understand this potential, Pack Health researchers examined whether its condition-specific programs improved the long-term mental health of its members post-participation. Members enrolled across Pack Health programs are provided with many resources to help assess their mental health needs while working to improve their overall health outcomes, including physical health. Members and their Health Advisors communicate weekly via email, text, or phone to discuss goal setting, condition-specific resources, and support. Pack Health Advisors are trained in Mental Health First Aid ⁶ to assist members with managing and assessing their personalized mental health needs. 

Members’ mental health-related data, such as anxiety scores, stress scores, and depression scores, were assessed to evaluate mental health status. Changes in overall health outcomes, including weekly exercise minutes, sleep, and nutrition were also measured to understand if a program focused on mental health also resulted in changes to physical health behaviors.  

Findings showed: 

At month 12: 

• 83% of members with a high risk of stress lowered their risk. The average member of this group increased their healthy eating scores by 13%. 
• 90% of members with a high risk of anxiety lowered their risk. The average member of this group increased their healthy eating scores by 17%.  
• 81% of members with a high risk of depression lowered their risk. The average member of this group increased their healthy eating scores by over 7%.  

These results demonstrate the impact of Pack Health’s condition-specific programs on how these members continue to manage and fulfill their mental health needs upon completing their programs, as well as the association with physical health behavior improvements. These members effectively utilized the resources and support given to them during their time with Pack Health to continue reaching more of their health goals. 

“Mental health needs should be prioritized within chronic condition management. While observing the physical needs of individuals has been effective, we can’t possibly understand the full picture of patient health unless we’re including mental health,” says Stephen Burton, MS, Director of Data and Outcomes at Pack Health, a Quest Diagnostics Company. “By providing resources and support to members seeking to better their mental health, we are equipping them to be confident in understanding and managing their needs once they are finished with their program.”  

Article updated 9/11/2023