Annual physicals offer opportunity to discuss behavioral health concerns, needs

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in 20 American adults annually experiences some sort of mental health concern, such as depression or anxiety; one in five annually experiences some sort of serious health concern. Additionally, like the flu (although not always as noticeable), mental health concerns can affect physical health.  

With that in mind, mental health screenings can be done during an annual physical, which some primary care providers do automatically.

“Preventive care is an important part of overall health and wellness,” said Candace Shaffer, associate vice president of benefits and payroll in Human Resources. “Our Healthy Boiler initiative directly aligns employees to focus on prevention, awareness and healthier choices and champions annual physicals as its main focus point to earn Healthy Boiler incentives. We recommend individuals of all ages request a mental health screening during their annual physical as another form of preventive care.”

Discussing any behavioral health concerns during an annual physical appointment is recommended so the health care provider can fully assess and follow up with a needed care plan or referral if needed.

According to Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Some examples of signs and symptoms shared by Mayo Clinic, include:

• feeling sad or down
• confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
• excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
• extreme mood changes of highs and lows
• problems with alcohol or drug use
• major changes in eating habits
• excessive anger, hostility or violence

Additionally, sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches or other unexplained aches and pains.

Support via Healthy Boiler

Purdue’s Healthy Boiler Program — a multi-faceted approach to overall well-being — includes a focus on both behavioral and physical health and offers cost-controlled benefits and easily accessible resources in those areas. Through these two respective pillars, the program:

• advocates for integrated care programs that focus on behavioral health and community support
• champions health education, preventive care and ongoing treatment programs to help individuals achieve lasting physical health and overall well-being

In addition, employees and covered spouses can earn incentives via the Healthy Boiler Program. Benefits-eligible employees (including those who opt out of a Purdue health plan) on all campuses and spouses covered on a Purdue health plan are eligible to participate and earn incentives. Incentives can be earned by competing the following steps:

• Step 1 (required): Complete annual physical
• Step 2 (optional): Complete annual biometrics | Complete health risk assessment | Complete dental or vision exam | Complete well-being screening

As shared above, some annual physicals include a mental health screening. Additionally, one of the well-being screening options is a depression screening. Depression screenings include a questionnaire that individuals complete themselves or with the help of their primary care provider during their annual physical, etc. This questionnaire is designed to indicate if individuals are at risk or have symptoms of depression. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America offers screening for depression information. Mental Health America’s Take a Mental Health Test is also a helpful tool.

Individuals who experience signs and symptoms of a mental health issue can also utilize the behavioral health providers available to Purdue employees:

• SupportLinc (West Lafayette)
• Bowen Center (Fort Wayne)
• New Avenues (Northwest campuses)
• Health Advocate (Purdue Global)

Talking about mental health is important

“Over the past four years especially, we have made it a priority to remind the Purdue community about the resources available to help them with any behavioral health needs and to share new tools and resources as they become available,” Shaffer said. “Our hope is that as we continuously share the information that all employees on all campuses understand they have options for asking for help and feel safe and supported doing so. Behavioral health is an important and normal part of overall wellness, and another big part of that is for people to realize that it’s OK to not always be or feel OK. And if they aren’t OK, there are resources readily available for them to utilize.” 

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES  

To assist faculty and staff

Faculty and staff can review the “Mental Health Resources” webpage for a variety of available resources and information on Purdue’s health plan coverage for mental health and substance abuse. 

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct them to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) — medical plan provider for students and graduate students — offers 292 unique mental health providers serving at various locations that are in-network with UHCSR within Tippecanoe County. The list is available here. Additionally, students have access to HealthiestYou, which provides virtual access to mental health care as part of UHCSR’s plan. All services are free for students covered under the UHCSR insurance plan.   

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and Information
• Presentations & Trainings
• Student of Concern Reporting Link

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help Resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country
• TAO – web- and app-based mental health resource for students