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New Year’s Resolutions: Americans Say Body & Mind Equally Important in Theory but Not in Practice, According to GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor Nationwide Survey
SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Now is the time when people start to think of new year’s resolutions to improve their health. For many, the
About this update from Myriad Genetics, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 15, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Now is the time when people start to think of new year’s resolutions to improve their health. For many, the focus is on physical goals like losing weight or exercising more. A nationwide survey suggests that many may want to consider adding mental health resolutions to their list. More than three out of four respondents said that physical and mental health were equally important. Yet, when it comes to care, four in 10 indicate they’re more likely to see a doctor for a physical ailment than a mental health need according to the GeneSight® Mental Health Monitor from Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN), a leader in genetic testing and precision medicine. “The survey highlights an important disconnect between what people say they value and what they actually would do,” said Mark Pollack, MD, chief medical officer for Mental Health at Myriad Genetics. “The reality is that people are more apt to seek treatment for their bodies than their minds. Yet, the science is clear that physical health and mental health are intrinsically connected.” When asked about the best ways to care for their health: Physical HealthMental HealthExercise 81%61%Diet 68%33%Annual physical exams (doctor visits) 68%32%Seeing a doctor when sick or for mental health issue 63%49%Medication 46%29% “It’s interesting that more than two-thirds said annual doctor visits are one of the best ways to take care of physical health, but only one-third said that approach was good for mental health,” said Dr. Pollack. “Regular mental health checkups with your doctor are vital to managing mental health and getting treatment before challenges become debilitating crises.” “Further, the GeneSight survey shows that stigma still exists for using medication to treat mental health disorders and it shouldn’t,” continued Dr. Pollack. “No one expects someone with diabetes to manage their blood sugar level without treatment. We shouldn’t expect people to ‘just snap out of it’ if they suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions. Mental health treatment can help.” Family doctors play an important role While 84% said they had a trusted healthcare provider for their physical health, only about half of adults surveyed said they had a trusted mental healthcare provider. Yet, for many, their healthcare provider may perform do...