Mental health
Let's have an open talk about mental health
Talking about depression, anxiety or other problems that may affect your behavioral health (also called mental health) isn’t always easy. But let’s start the conversation. If you or a loved one may be dealing with these issues, you’re not alone. Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by behavioral health issues each year.1 Learning how to talk about and understand your mental health issues may be the first step in recovery. Then, you may learn ways to cope and start feeling better.
What is behavioral health?
Behavioral health (or mental health) are terms used to describe a number of problems that may affect your mental wellbeing. When we talk about behavioral health, it includes stress, anxiety, depression, mood disorders or other psychological issues. Behavioral health disorders may also include things like substance use disorders, eating disorders, or psychotic disorders.
Taking care of your mental health is important for your overall health. Your emotional state may impact your physical health, too. If you’re struggling, seeking treatment may help you feel better so you can live a healthier life.
Understanding mental health problems and getting help
Each person has their own story. Worries, emotions and feelings are personal. Mental health problems may come up any time, and at any age – even in children. Sometimes there may be a higher risk if there’s been abuse2 or trauma3 in your past. There may be a higher risk of mental health issues if you have a family history of mental health disorders.4
Biological, social, emotional, and environmental factors may also contribute to mental health issues. Some mental health issues, like depression, may happen because of a chemical imbalance in the brain.5 Even social problems like bullying may affect our mental health and how we may deal with day-to-day life.6
Some of the signs of mental health problems may not be easy to spot — and some may be harder to notice than others. If you see some of these signs, it may be your signal that it’s time to get help.
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Eating or sleeping too much or not enough
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Losing interest in people and activities
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Feeling hopeless
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Aches and pains
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Drinking alcohol too much or using drugs
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Irritability and anger
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Feeling depressed
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Thoughts of harming oneself or others
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Thoughts of suicide
While these may be some clues to look for, this list doesn’t cover it all. Be aware and ask for help when things may not be getting better. Asking for help may be your most important step in taking care of yourself.
You can learn more by checking mentalhealth.gov. It has a longer list of behavioral and mental health concerns and helpful information about each.
You can connect with mental health and behavioral health specialists to help you handle problems like:
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Depression
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Anxiety or stress
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Alcohol or drug abuse
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Anger management
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Coping with grief or loss
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Marital problems
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Domestic violence
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Eating disorders
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Compulsive spending or gambling
How to find mental health programs and support
If you are a UnitedHealthcare member, learn about programs and support that may be available to you through your health plan.
Parent and youth mental health resources
Do you notice changes in your child’s behavior? Getting kids to open up about their mental health may be challenging, but with the right resources, help is possible. Learn ways to be open, be well, and be ready to offer support.
Common mental health problems
Below are details to help you learn more about mental health problems that many people may struggle with at different times in their lives. You may want to talk to a professional if these problems sound like issues you may be dealing with.
Anxiety
Feeling nervous or anxious may seem like a regular part of life — but when it interrupts your daily activities, it may be a bigger issue. Learn how to know if it may be time to reach out for help.
Burnout
If you're feeling constantly overwhelmed, way too busy, unmotivated and unproductive at work — or even all of those things at the same time — you may be experiencing burnout. Learn the signs of burnout and how to get help.
Depression
Depression isn’t just feeling down. If you or a loved one struggle with depression, you may be aware that it’s a serious problem. But there may be ways to cope and feel better. Counseling and medication may help, as well as other resources. Learn more about depression and how to get help.
Social isolation and loneliness
While it may be easy to overlook, spending time with friends and family and making sure you have enough social support in your life is an important part of taking care of your overall health.
Stress
We all may deal with stress, but what if it gets to be too much? Learn ways to help stay in better balance when life may get stressful, whether that’s at school, work or at home.
Mental health support and resources available by phone or online
If you need help right away — for yourself or a loved one — call 911 or use the emergency numbers below.
Substance Use Helpline — 1-855-780-5955
If you feel that you or a loved one are experiencing signs of addiction, call the confidential helpline to get support, guidance on treatment options, help finding a network provider and answers to your questions.
National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
Get help with crisis intervention, information and referrals to local services for victims of domestic violence and those calling on their behalf.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org/chat for 24-hour, toll-free, confidential support and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. For TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
The Crisis Text Line — Text “Home” to 741741
The Crisis Text Line is a free resource available 24/7 to help you connect with a crisis counselor.
