Looking out for your mental health
More support, less stigma: How you think, feel and act impacts your well-being.
Understanding your mental health
There is an increased awareness of mental health in our daily lives — in the news, in schools, while at work. But what does mental health actually mean? And why is it important to focus on when we talk about improving our overall health and well-being?
To begin, you may also hear the phrase “behavioral health” come up in discussing mental health. There is a difference and a relationship between mental and behavioral health. We need to understand their definitions, differences and roles in what it means to be healthy.
The difference between mental health and behavioral health
Both mental and behavioral care recognize that health is more than physical wellness. It’s also connected with our thoughts, habits and moods.
- Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects the ways we handle stress, make choices and interact with others.
- Behavioral health involves our actions and their effect on our physical and mental health.
It’s common for a person to be struggling with both a mental health and a behavioral health challenge.
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Some of us struggle more than others in taking care of our mental health. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) says cultural stigma, discrimination and language barriers can get in the way.1
Doctors, health plans, employers and other companies are working to address these challenges. For example, work underway includes:
- Increasing diversity in the health care workforce
- Finding new ways to use technology, like virtual care and apps, to make care more convenient and available in the privacy of your home
- Reducing stigma surrounding mental and behavioral health issues
Helping all people feel comfortable getting care
Talking about mental and behavioral health topics is not always easy. But while these conditions may not be openly discussed, they are common.
Mental health conditions generally affect 1 in 5 American adults each year.2 After the last year, the numbers may be higher. A recent study showed nearly one-third of U.S. adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depression in the spring of 2021.
Yet as many as 60% of adults with a mental health condition may not get services they need.3
Reducing stigma related to mental health
The stigma — a set of negative and often unfair beliefs — surrounding mental and behavioral health issues can prevent people from seeking help or talking about their concerns. So privacy may become a critical part of the care journey.
The stigma has declined in recent years. But we can all play a role in improving acceptance of discussing and caring for issues related to mental and behavioral health.
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It starts when you're young
Mental health is important at every stage of life. Half of all mental illness begins by age 14.4 Millions of children and teens live with mental health issues — as many as 1 in 5.5
Now, after more than a year of interrupted routines and loss, children and teens are dealing with new sources of stress, anxiety and grief.
Until It’s Fixed podcast: Supporting Our Kids
Listen as three psychiatrists discuss youth mental health, recognizing symptoms and how family and caregivers can help.
Understanding your mental health
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Find support for your mental health
Optum Store
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More resources
Mental health screening
Free, private and anonymous mental health screening available through Mental Health America. Based on the results, MHA will provide information and resources to help.
If you're in a crisis or thinking about suicide, get in touch with someone immediately:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
En español 1-888-628-9454
1-800-799-4889 (TTY)
Text "HELLO" to 741741
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
Free and confidential mental health and substance abuse treatment referral and information services available 24/7 (in English and Spanish)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- Crisis Text Line
Connect with a crisis counselor 24/7 via text
Text “HELLO” to 741741
www.crisistextline.org
- Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1
Text to 838255
www.veteranscrisisline.net
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
Crisis counselors available 24/7 for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to a natural or human-caused disaster.
1-800-985-5990
Text TalkWithUs to 66746
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline
Sources
- American Psychiatric Association (APA). Mental health disparities: Diverse populations.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mental Health by the Numbers. Last updated March 2021. Accessed October 1, 2021.
- World Health Organization. Universal health coverage for mental health. Accessed August 4, 2021.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness. Mental Health Facts: Children and Teens. Accessed September 1, 2021.
- World Health Organization. Mental disorders. November 28, 2019. Accessed August 4, 2021.