Mental health is a crucial part of our lives, yet many people face mental and behavioral health challenges. In the U.S., nearly 1 in 4 adults live with a mental health condition, and women experience higher rates of certain conditions than men do.

“It is important to study women’s behavioral health separately from men’s because women face unique biological, social, and economic factors that influence their mental health,” said Dr. Douglas Nemecek, chief medical officer for behavioral health at Evernorth Health Services. “Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can significantly impact women’s mental health. Additionally, women are more likely to experience certain stressors, such as caregiving responsibilities and gender-based violence, which can also contribute to mental health issues.”

According to an analysis by the Evernorth Research Institute, 26% of 33 million insured individuals ages 13-64 had a mental or behavioral health diagnosis in 2022. Women made up 61% of these patients and accounted for 60% (around $63 billion) of the total costs of care. The most common conditions among women were anxiety/stress disorders and depression/mood disorders. Women represented about 68% of those diagnosed with depression/mood and anxiety disorders. Men accounted for 57% of patients diagnosed with substance use disorder. However, the prevalence of or degree to which mental and behavioral health conditions affect each sex also varies by life stages.

Specifically for women, understanding how these conditions affect them at different life stages is essential for providing the right support. For example, in our analysis, while anxiety and depression/mood disorders are prevalent across all life stages, research has shown that an adolescent’s experience differs from that of an adult. Some of these are influenced by environmental factors (i.e., lived experiences). Further, while substance use disorder was in the five most prevalent conditions for each life stage, the order was higher among those in mid-adulthood relative to adolescents or very early adulthood.

By focusing on women’s mental and behavioral health, employers can work together with their health plans to develop targeted interventions and support systems that address their specific needs and improve overall well-being.

“Employers should work with their health plans to create programs that address the unique challenges women face at various ages,” said Eva Borden, president of behavioral health at Evernorth. “Adolescents and young adults may need support for social media influence, while young women in early adulthood may need help with college and financial responsibilities. Women in mid-adulthood may require support for caregiving, menopause, and other issues.”

Key takeaways for employers

• Data-driven approach: Understanding the prevalence and costs of mental and behavioral health conditions among women at different life stages is crucial for developing effective interventions. By implementing tailored solutions, U.S. employers can improve the mental health and well-being of their employees, leading to a more productive and supportive work environment.
• Education: Employers can make mental and behavioral health services more accessible by promoting awareness of the benefits offered in their health care plans. Ongoing communications pointing people to resources can encourage more women to seek the treatment they need.
• Removing barriers to care: Employers should work to remove barriers that prevent women from accessing mental health services. Strategies include offering flexible work schedules and virtual behavioral care services, and promoting a supportive work environment that encourages seeking help without stigma.
• Integrating care: Mental and behavioral health care should be integrated with other health care services. Employers must support models that address mental and physical health needs in tandem.

“Employers and health plans play an important role in improving the mental and behavioral health of women in the United States,” said Angela Inneh, director of thought leadership, Evernorth Research Institute. “The details are in your population’s data and can help inform benefits and well-being programming that supports and empowers women to take care of themselves. In turn, those steps can improve their overall health and well-being.”

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This article is part of a series by the Evernorth Research Institute that highlights critical issues affecting girls’ and women’s health across different stages of life, from adolescence through menopause and beyond. The goal is to educate the general public, health care providers, employers, health plans, policymakers, and advocates about the most pressing concerns in women’s health so that together we can continue to drive meaningful change.

This article was created with the assistance of AI tools. It was reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Evernorth’s editorial team and subject matter experts.