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On June 20, 2024, UnitedHealth Group issued a press release offering an update on the Change Healthcare cybersecurity incident that occurred on Feb. 21, 2024. While the investigation to determine whose data is impacted is not yet complete, UnitedHealth Group has started the process to notify impacted customers and shared a website that provides additional information. UnitedHealth Group continues to offer credit monitoring and identity protection services, as well as a dedicated contact center to address questions. You can learn more about the support resources by visiting Change Healthcare Cyberattack Support and/or by reaching out to the contact center at 1-866-262-5342 with any questions. 

Depression Guide

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Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. When a sad mood lasts for a long time and interferes with normal, everyday functioning, you may be depressed. It’s important to know that depression is not a personal weakness or character flaw. Treatment is often needed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of depression include:

  • Feeling sad or anxious often or all the time
  • Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun
  • Feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless
  • Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Waking up too early or sleeping too much
  • Eating more or less than usual or having no appetite
  • Experiencing aches, pains, headaches, or stomach problems that do not improve with treatment
  • Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
  • Feeling tired‚ even after sleeping well
  • Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
  • Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself

If you think you are depressed‚ talk with your doctor or a mental health professional immediately. This is especially important if your symptoms are getting worse or affecting your daily activities.

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People with depression often lose the motivation to take care of themselves. During treatment, make a point to:

  • Exercise: It’s a great way to take care of your body. Studies show that exercise helps fight depression. If you have an injury or special needs, talk with your healthcare provider about safe ways to exercise.
  • Stay away from drugs and alcohol: These may ease the pain in the short term. But they’ll only make your problems worse in the long run.
  • Get support from your family and friends: Don’t shut out your loved ones. Although it can be very hard, tell family members and friends what they can do to help you. Keeping in contact with loved ones can also make a big difference. 
  • Get relief from stress: Ask your healthcare provider about relaxation exercises and techniques to help ease stress.
  • Eat right: A balanced and healthy diet helps keep your body healthy.
  • Stay involved in activities you enjoy: With depression, you may not feel like going out. You may not have the energy or interest to do things you used to like to do. But being active and involved can help you beat depression. Instead of sitting at home, try to get out and do something you enjoy.
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Though millions of people have depression, no one else is just like you. You and your healthcare provider will need to work together to find the treatment that’s best for you. Antidepressant medicine and counseling are two common treatments. The best treatment often includes both.

  • Antidepressants help ease symptoms: It may take a few weeks for an antidepressant to start working. If it doesn’t seem to be working, it may need more time. Or you may need to try more than one medicine or dosage. Your doctor will help find what works for you. Take your pills every day as prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider how your medicine makes you feel. They can adjust as needed. Never change your dosage or stop taking your pills without talking with your provider first.
  • Talk therapy (counseling): This treatment is a powerful way to better understand your thoughts and feelings. Talking with a trained professional can make problems less overwhelming. It can help you work through issues in your life and your relationships. Therapy for depression is often done one-on-one. It may also be done in a group setting. Talk with your healthcare provider about your options so you can choose the best one for you.
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  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - it’s like 911, but it’s 988. Dial 988 for confidential, free, 24/7/365 support from a trained counselor for mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis. You can also text 988 for support (English only).
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357).
  • NAMI HelpLine is available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern. Connect by phone at 1-800-950-6264 or text "Helpline" to 62640, or chat.
  • The Trevor Project (hotline for LGBT youth): 1-866-488-7386
  • Chat is available 24/7: SuicidePreventionLifeline.org/chat
  • Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860. Hotline for transgender people (volunteers and staff are transgender, as well.)
  • Crisis Text Line: 741-741. Trained crisis counselor replies within minutes.
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1. VeteransCrisisLine.net
  • National Crisis Text Line for the Deaf: Text HAND to 839863