You’re not alone.
Optum Behavioral Health has set out to highlight that powerful encouragement by destigmatizing mental health conversations, taking aim at helping adults and younger generations navigate the everyday obstacles that have escalated since the global pandemic first tightened its grip on the world in 2020.
During that tumultuous timeframe, increased anxiety and depression began blanketing the U.S., with 40% of adults reporting they were struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse. Less than half received some form of treatment, and the numbers haven’t declined since then.
That data alone is eye-opening, but it’s only a portion of the more significant demographic battling poor mental health. The rapid increase has also cast a dark shadow over younger adults, negatively impacting their well-being and creating stressful environments that affect entire families.
And while a rise in such detrimental aspects of mental health in children and adolescents creates confusing or difficult paths toward solutions, there is hope and help—and no time is like the present for either.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which Optum Behavioral Health is using to emphasize the importance of getting families to start meaningful conversations. To educate yourself and others on the conditions and treatment options for mental health, such as psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy), medication, or self-care.
It’s an arduous task that remains roadblocked or brushed aside in large swaths of society, so in response, Optum has taken effective steps like “Conversation Starters” that make it easier for parents or caregivers to start those discussions and get past the common one-word answers.
So far, the momentum has been an inspirational progression, and like so much of the effort, Optum is not alone.
Collective activity has also taken shape, with recent grant announcements to improve health outcomes in several states, including North Carolina, where the United Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of UnitedHealth Group, which includes Optum and UnitedHealthcare, has funded resources through a grant to Active Minds.
The partnership with the nonprofit organization will bring mental health curriculum to middle school students, a trailblazing implementation that will promote mental health awareness and education for young adults.
And the philanthropic investments in North Carolina don’t stop there, as a grant partnership with East Carolina University also increases access to mental health services for youth in rural and underserved communities.
Overall, it’s the beginning chapters of a larger story, with UnitedHealth Group investing more than $35 million in charitable partnerships in 19 states and Washington, D.C., all focusing on developing school-based partnerships to improve youth behavioral health, increasing access to behavioral health care services for young people, and growing and diversifying the behavioral health workforce.
And like all great stories, it also includes a hero’s journey: Rory McIlroy’s.
McIlroy is one of three professional golfers who serve as Optum Health Ambassadors. Along with the LPGA’s Jessica Korda and Mariah Stackhouse, McIlroy has been at the forefront of the aforementioned destigmatization, even making it known that his absence from the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, S.C., was for mental health reasons.
It’s a refreshing stance as it is groundbreaking in so many ways—an athlete known for his strength and tough mindset serving as a familiar face for the millions of struggling people who don’t know where to turn.
The news made his return to golf at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, N.C., for the Wells Fargo Championship even more special, which was compounded by a surprise birthday serenade he received before his practice round on Wednesday from 34 children who live in the area.
Along with endearing 34th birthday wishes, each kid helped Rory get the word out by sharing their own tips to improve mental health.
The icing on the cake of this surprise start to Rory’s tournament week?
They also presented Rory with a cake depicting a particular head cover that is certainly a familiar face to the four-time major champion.
(Photo by Stan Badz Photography)
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