Our society may have progressed with modern technology and culture, yet many sensitive topics are still shrouded in taboo. In fact, it is these lesser-talked-about things that matter the most. Mental health surely comes under this bracket, and elite sportspersons such as Cup Series drivers are not immune from deteriorating mental health issues. 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace knows it better than most.

In 2019, Wallace took the bold step and spoke openly about his struggles with depression and mental health issues. While it is rare to see athletes do this, the Alabama-born driver set an example for others. In fact, since he relates well to such issues, he has come up with a noble idea.

Bubba Wallace joins hands with mega sponsors to make the world a better place

While suffering from mental health issues is difficult in itself, talking openly about such problems can be even more tricky. As per Mental Health America’s database from last year, over 2.5 million youth in the United States have severe major depression. What’s scarier is 60% of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment.

In fact, this is one of the biggest and burning issues in America. Imagine, the future of the country struggling in this fashion. While that isn’t a good sign, something definitely that needs to be done. Citing this issue and his own painful experience, Bubba Wallace has teamed up with his elite sponsor, Walmart. As per Forbes, the retail corporation is worth around $404.38 billion as of today and is keen on cutting down on mental health issues.

Bubba Wallace partners with Walmart in their “Go Live Better” campaign, an initiative started by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to promote health and wellness. Speaking for the National Governors Association, Wallace said, “Mental health issues among our youth have been on the rise and the pandemic has aggravated the problem even more. Simply put, our kids are hurting.”

The pandemic may have triggered mental health issues but they have always been there. To support the argument, over the last decade or so, there is a 29% surge in teen suicide, as reported by America’s Health Rankings. Wallace highlighted this issue and has come up with a solution. He said, “You can see that [kids hurting] in the increased rates of anxiety and depression and in the tragic rise in youth suicides.

“The association has launched an initiative called strengthening youth mental health. Governors across the country are reaching out to put more resources into helping kids and their families and raising awareness about America’s youth mental health crisis encouraging our kids to ask for help when they need it, letting them know it’s okay to say you’re not okay.

“That’s a vitally important message because mental health issues are not problems to be ashamed of they are problems to be solved.” While it is a much-needed initiative, hope it helps in saving the youth from suffering.

READ MORE – “You’re Either Grateful or You’re Depressed” – Steve Harvey’s Life Lesson to Bubba Wallace

Regardless of his performance on the track, Wallace is surely doing a noble thing here. Interestingly, just last month he carried out a similar act.

Wallace surprises fans in Las Vegas amid Walmart’s Go Live Better initiative

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With Walmart’s Go Live Better campaign in mind, Wallace had a surprising act in his mind last March. Before the race in Las Vegas on Sunday, the former Richard Petty Motorsports driver bumped into a local Walmart on Saturday afternoon.

Although it was a surprise for fans, they contributed sportingly to a community art project. There, Wallace spoke about mental health to promote the right message.

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It is certainly amazing to see what he’s trying to achieve within his capacities. With more such initiatives, mental health issues can definitely be brought down to a minimum.