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To the Editor:
Re “The Men Missing From the Job Market” (editorial, Oct. 17):
You are right that more research is clearly needed. But we know enough to act now.
We know that emotional health and physical health are very tightly intertwined. We know that medical and behavioral issues together lead to significantly worse clinical outcomes and dramatically greater absenteeism and impairment at work.
We know that unaddressed behavioral health issues lead to more than $200 billion in avoidable medical costs and lost productivity each year.
But there is hope. Because we also know that high-quality, evidence-based, and easily accessible behavioral health care can make a real difference in people’s lives, alleviating depression, reducing pain and speeding return to work. The right care at the right time can keep employees in the labor force and keep them out of the doctor’s office.
Yes, more research is needed for the future. But let’s do what we can today. Our moment is now.
REENA L. PANDE
Boston
The writer, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is chief medical officer of AbilTo, a behavioral telehealth company.
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