Magellan Healthcare is a proud supporter of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month in July. BIPOC is an acronym for Black, Indigenous and People of Color that aims to empower groups formerly identified as “minority” or “marginalized.”

In this post, we’ll discuss BIPOC mental health and barriers to care. You can learn more by watching a recording of our webinar, “Navigating mental healthcare: Unique challenges faced by the BIPOC community,” here.

Prevalence of mental health conditions among BIPOC communities

BIPOC face unique stressors that increase mental health vulnerability. Racism and discrimination are consistently found to be associated with poorer mental health.[1]

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports the prevalence of mental health conditions among BIPOC:[2]

BIPOC adults (prevalence of any mental health condition)

• 32% Two or more races
• 19% American Indian and Alaska Native
• 18% Hispanic or Latinx
• 17% Black or African American
• 17% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders
• 14% Asian American

BIPOC youth (prevalence of depression)

• 21% Two or more races
• 17% Hispanic or Latinx
• 15% Asian American
• 12% American Indian and Alaska Native
• 11% Black or African American
• (data not available) Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders

Barriers for BIPOC in accessing mental healthcare

BIPOC are less likely to receive treatment for mental health or substance use conditions.[2] In 2020, 5.7% of Asian Americans, 9.4% of Black people or African Americans, and 10.7% of Hispanic or Latinx people received mental health services, compared to 21% of White people.[2]

Research indicates, compared with people who are White, people in BIPOC communities are:[3]

• Less likely to have access to mental health services
• Less likely to seek out treatment
• More likely to receive low or poor quality of care
• More likely to end services early

Several factors contribute to BIPOC being less likely to receive treatment for mental health or substance use conditions, including a lack of insurance or underinsurance, mental illness stigma, a lack of diversity and cultural competence among mental healthcare providers, language barriers and distrust in the healthcare system.[4]

Increasing awareness of the issues people of color and those in marginalized communities face helps reduce stigma so those with mental health concerns can get the help they need to thrive in their lives.

On July 20 Magellan Healthcare hosted a webinar, “Navigating mental healthcare: Unique challenges faced by the BIPOC community,” for BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. Watch a recording of the webinar as we explore different roles in behavioral healthcare and overcoming stigma to help BIPOC feel more knowledgeable and comfortable about reaching out for help: https://www.magellanhealthcare.com/event/navigating-mental-healthcare/.

[1] “Racism as a Determinant of Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”, “Self-Reported Experiences of Discrimination and Health: Scientific Advances, Ongoing Controversies, and Emerging Issues”, “Discrimination and Subsequent Mental Health, Substance Use, and Well-being in Young Adults”

[2] SAMHSA 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health Adult and Youth Mental Health Tables

[3] Counseling Today, “The historical roots of racial disparities in the mental health system”

[4] American Psychiatric Association, “Mental Health Disparities: Diverse Populations”

More than half of the world’s population–4.55 billion people–currently uses social media.[1] Of children in the U.S., 84% aged 13-18 and 38% aged 8-12 use social media.[2] We spend an average of 2 hours and 27 minutes each day on social media.[1] 

Whether we need it or not, it’s safe to say that social media isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

In our recent webinar, “Addressing the effects of social media on kids,” we learned that 90% of the participants believe the overall impact of social media on their kids is negative. While many parents are concerned about their children’s use of social media and how it’s affecting their mental health, there are things we can do to protect them.

In this post, we will cover behaviors to watch for in a child who may be struggling due to effects from social media, as well as tips and resources to help in moderating their social media use.

Signs that social media may be negatively impacting a child​

In our webinar during Mental Health Month, 94% of participants expressed worry that social media is impacting their child. If you find yourself in a similar situation, trust your gut and watch for any of the following, which could be signs of an unhealthy relationship with social media.

1. Isolation–Do you find that your child is spending a lot of time alone and on their phone, computer or other device? Are they avoiding in-person time with friends and family?
2. Poor mood after exposure–Does your child seem happy or unhappy after they’ve been on social media? Try to get a sense of their mood during or just after social media use.
3. Irritability or angry outbursts–Does their anger seem misplaced or are they exhibiting these behaviors for seemingly no reason?
4. Doesn’t want to go to school–Does your child seem to dread going to school each day, or are they actively trying to get out of it? Talk to your child to get an understanding of why they may be avoiding school.
5. Falling grades–Are you noticing bad test scores or falling report card grades? Pay close attention to negative grade fluctuations which could be a reflection of more than just how much studying and learning is taking place.
6. Decreased interest in offline activities–Are they participating less in activities they have always enjoyed or showing little interest in new activities, such as sports, arts and crafts, and other hobbies?
7. Headaches or upset stomach–Do they seem to have more frequent complaints about not feeling good? Reoccurring physical health conditions can manifest from stress and mental health challenges.
8. Deteriorating mental health–Are you noticing that your child just doesn’t seem like their normal happy self? Talk to your children each day about their feelings and be cognizant of any signs of depression, anxiety or mood changes.

Helping your kids have a healthy relationship with social media

If you notice any of the above signs in your children, it may be a result of negative impacts from their use of social media. Set your kids up for success with these proactive tips and resources for when there may be a problem.

1. Talk about the risks, traps and dangers and keep an open dialogue–It’s critical to help your kids understand the realities of social media. Talk with them about adult predators who pose as friends their age, how all of the happy pictures of friends and even strangers don’t show the whole picture, and how negative comments can be deeply hurtful and follow the person who posts them forever.
2. Set up parental controls and monitor activity–Find helpful resources with these guides:

• Tom’s Guide, “The best parental control apps for Android and iPhone 2022”​
• Common Sense Media, “Parents’ ultimate guide to parental controls”

3. Balance screentime and face-to-face time with family and friends​–Despite the negative impacts, there is also much positivity that can come from social media. While it may be easy to get sucked in, as social media is designed to do just that, it’s important to remind your kids about all that the real world and people around them have to offer.
4. ​​Post and seek out positive content–Explain to your kids that we can all help to keep social media a positive place by being respectful in our comments and understanding of different perspectives. Help them understand that they should seek out social media interactions that make them feel good about themselves and provide a healthy sense of connection with others.
5. Encourage good sleep​ and exercise–​We’re not usually at our most active when on social media. We must encourage our kids to keep up their physical activity, which will benefit their physical health and mood. A healthy sleep routine will also provide benefits for kids in all aspects of their lives, and it’s important not to let social media interfere with sleep.
6. Utilize resources on cyberbullying:

• StopBullying.gov, “Prevent cyberbullying”​​
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), KnowBullying mobile app​
• UNICEF, “Cyberbullying: What it is and how to stop it”

7. Model good behavior–Just like kids, parents and caregivers are susceptible to having an unhealthy relationship with social media. Remember these tips when balancing your own on- and off-screen time because your kids are watching.
8. Seek professional help​ when needed–If you suspect that your child is struggling, reach out to their doctor or mental health professional for support and treatment options.​

For many parents, today’s digital world is very different from the one in which they grew up. Navigate this ever-changing environment with your kids and keep an open dialogue about the realities of social media beyond the glitz and glamour that appears on the surface, as well as alternative sources for contentment, inspiration and social connection.

Learn more about social media and kids

Find the recording of our webinar, “Addressing the effects of social media on kids,” where I, along with other children’s behavioral health experts, address this important issue and answer audience questions here.

Additional webinar resources:

• AACAP Social media and teens
• CDC data and statistics, children’s mental health​
• SAMHSA 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health Youth Mental Health Trend Tables​
• December 7, 2021, HHS press release on the Surgeon General’s Advisory addressing the youth mental health crisis
• October 19, 2021, AAP-AACAP-CHA declaration of a national emergency in child and adolescent mental health​
• ​Social Media Today, “The history of social media [Infographic]”​
• Journal of education and health promotion,“Effective use of social media platforms for promotion of mental health awareness”​
• ​Journal of technology in behavioral science, “Social media and mental health: benefits, risks, and opportunities for research and practice”​
• ​World Psychiatry, “Youth mental health: risks and opportunities in the digital world”​
• Journal of technology in behavioral science, “Social media and mental health: benefits, risks, and opportunities for research and practice”​
• Journal of youth and adolescence, “Exposure to social media racial discrimination and mental health among adolescents of color”​
• World Psychiatry, “Youth mental health: risks and opportunities in the digital world”​
• American Psychological Association, “Social networking’s good and bad impacts on kids”​
• Mayo Clinic, “Tween and teen health”​
• WebMD, “Teens on social media too much? What experts want you to know.”​
• Cleveland Clinic, “Effects of social media on children”​
• Experian, “7 ways to protect your kids on social media”​
• Family Education, 5 ways social media affects kids’ mental health (and how parents can help!)

[1] Statusbrew, “100 social media statistics you must know in 2022 [+Infographic]”

[2] Common Sense Media, “The Common Sense Census: Media use by tweens and teens, 2021”

While up to 80% of all primary care visits include a behavioral health component, primary care providers (PCPs) may feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to meet their patients’ behavioral health needs. Collaborative care can help.

What is collaborative care?

Collaborative care is a specific type of integrated care that uses a team-based, patient-centered approach to address behavioral health in the primary care setting. Collaborative care links a patient’s PCP with a behavioral health care manager and psychiatric consultant to help meet their mental health goals. This approach has been studied in over 90 different randomized control trials and has shown to be highly effective in delivering a better patient experience, as well as improving patient outcomes and providing cost reduction.

Collaborative care gives PCPs the tools and support they need to manage ongoing mental healthcare and helps improve the quality of care provided.

• A patient registry allows PCPs to track patients and ensure that no one falls through the cracks. Patients who do not show improvement are outreached, and behavioral health specialists offer caseload-focused consultation.
• Screening tools, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 for depression and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-7 for anxiety, help identify and direct patients to the appropriate levels of care for mental health conditions.
• A behavioral health care manager supports the PCP in myriad ways, including:
  • Ensuring effective communication among the team
  • Coordinating the team and mental health treatment
  • Providing progress updates and treatment recommendations to the provider
  • Alerting the PCP when the patient is not improving
  • Supporting medication management
  • Facilitating communication with the psychiatric consultant regarding treatment changes
  • Conducting brief interventions, such as motivational interviews with patients to guide their progress
• A psychiatric consultant reviews cases alongside behavioral health care managers and assists the care team with treatment planning, and diagnostic and treatment recommendations.

Collaborative care allows patients to get mental healthcare where they regularly seek physical healthcare, rather than having to go elsewhere.

 Throughout the U.S., individuals lack access to mental healthcare. In fact, over 26 million individuals experiencing a mental health condition are going untreated. Providing mental healthcare in the primary care setting allows patients to:

• Address mental health concerns with a provider they trust and see regularly for physical health concerns
• Receive mental health treatment at an earlier stage to help prevent more serious problems
• Have regular contact with a behavioral health care manager who can deliver brief interventions and individualized care planning
• Receive coordinated care for co-occurring mental and physical conditions
• Reduce the burden they carry in communicating treatment updates to multiple providers when they have comorbid physical and mental health concerns
• Feel comfortable that all of their health needs are being addressed
• Receive mental health treatment that is often less expensive

Magellan Healthcare’s collaborative care solution, powered by NeuroFlow

 Collaborative care has been proven to double the effectiveness of depression care, as well as improve physical function and reduce healthcare costs. Magellan Healthcare’s evidence-based Collaborative Care Management solution for health plans and healthcare delivery systems provides care management and psychiatric consults for primary care patients and augments physical health providers’ staff with Magellan staff to facilitate integrated physical and behavioral healthcare. Learn more here.

Sources:

• 2020 Adult Data | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
• Benefits of Behavioral Health Integration for Primary Care Providers | Bipartisan Policy Center
• Collaborative Care | University of Washington AIMS Center (uw.edu)

Magellan Healthcare is a proud supporter of Mental Health Month in May. We are committed to increasing awareness about mental health, wellbeing, and the importance of recognizing and addressing concerns through our community outreach and innovative behavioral health services for members and providers.

Here are five things you can do every day to improve your mental health and wellbeing:

1. Connect
Build and strengthen relationships with the people around you. Meet up with friends, have lunch with a coworker or join a group in your community. Feeling close to and valued by others, including at work, is critical to boosting wellbeing. When we devote time to these relationships, we feel happier and more secure, giving us a better sense of purpose.

2. Be active
Look for ways to be active every day. Find something you enjoy that suits your fitness and mobility, like running, walking, gardening, dancing, and working on projects around the house. Being active every day causes changes in our brain which can positively affect our mood and decrease stress, depression, and anxiety.

3. Give
Carrying out acts of kindness for other people, whether small or large, can increase happiness, life satisfaction, and a general sense of wellbeing. Make someone a meal, help with a project, or volunteer at an organization. You could just ask a friend or someone you work with how they are and really listen to the answer. Giving back to others can create positive feelings and help us feel more satisfied with life.

4. Take notice
Be present in the here and now. Pay attention to the world around you, nature, people, and your thoughts and feelings. Becoming more aware of the present moment boosts our wellbeing by helping us enjoy the world we have around us and understanding ourselves better.

5. Keep learning
Practice new skills and seek information about topics that interest you. Try a new recipe, listen to a podcast or fix something in your home. Generally being curious and seeking out new experiences at work and in life can boost your confidence and self-esteem, help you build a sense of purpose, and connect with others.

Each of these five practices has been shown to make a positive difference in how we feel and live our life.

Visit our 2022 Mental Health Month web page to discover more tools to address and spread awareness about mental health, wellbeing, and specific conditions as we recover from the pandemic and deal with civil, economic, and global unrest.

Source: New Economics Foundation

“Our obligation to act is not just medical—it’s moral.”
Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A. Vice Admiral, U.S. Public Health Service, Surgeon General of the United States

 
To support the Surgeon General’s recent advisory related to protecting youth mental health issues exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Magellan Federal offers best practices for professionals specializing in behavioral issues to foster the wellbeing of our military families.

Magellan Federal directly supports the mental health and resiliency of military youth and families, serving over 4.5 million service members and families a year. Read more about risk factors and recommendations in our whitepaper here.

It was hard enough for kids without social media. Many of our older readers will remember… We compared ourselves to others, but it happened mostly in-person at school or events, or when we consumed one-way media like TV or magazines. While it could be hurtful, we still got a break at home, while riding in a car, or for much of the rest of the day, as we didn’t have smartphones. We became the subject of gossip, but we had the benefit of an imperfect “grapevine” that took longer to spread information, and likely, we didn’t even always hear about it. And we played the popularity contest, but we could never be sure just who were the winners and losers.

We’ll dive into these issues in this post and you can learn more by watching a recording of our webinar, “Addressing the impacts of social media on kids,” here.

Kids’ self-image and social media

Social media makes it easy—and even entertaining—to endlessly scroll through the latest and greatest images of our friends, celebrities, and perfect strangers. We get to see the best of everyone all the time. If any one of our friends isn’t posting their best on any given day, we’re seeing someone else who is posting their best. This can put undue pressure on our kids to attain perfection, as they are developing their self-image and self-esteem.

For kids, and us all, there is tremendous value in limiting the time we spend on social media and understanding that what we see there isn’t usually the full picture. Social media can provide a great sense of connection with others, along with many other positive impacts, but life outside of it can be refreshing and cleansing when we focus on all that we have and want to do.

Social media and cyberbullying

It’s a lot easier to be mean to someone when you’re not doing it to their face. With social media, not only is it easy for a bully to target another child from behind the protection of their screen, but they can do so publicly for classmates and the world to see and weigh in with opinions, or even just a “like,” on the matter. This ruthlessness can be humiliating and overwhelming for the victim, and lead to serious mental health concerns.

As our kids’ gossip and squabbles naturally pervade and have the potential to be broadcasted instantaneously on social media for all to see, let’s talk to them about leaving the negativity off of social media and focusing on positive messages that will ultimately reflect better on us all. If your child is a victim of cyberbullying, find resources at https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/prevention and learn more in our webinar on May 11.

Our kids’ popularity, quantified

Our kids’ popularity is now quantified and displayed on social media. They have a number of followers, and every time they post, it’s assigned a number of likes and comments. Is this environment creating additional pressure for our kids to be liked and drive up their social stats at the risk of harming their mental health in the process?

While we can’t make a direct correlation with kids’ use of social media, we know the prevalence of depression among adolescents aged 12–17 has steadily increased–and more than doubled–from 8% in 2010 to 17% in 2020, and that certain demographic groups have been disproportionately affected, including girls, of which the prevalence of depression has increased from 11.9% in 2010 (4.4% among boys) to 25.2% in 2020 (9.2% among boys).[1]

We know our kids are much more than the number of likes they receive on a social media post. It’s important that we talk to our kids about what is really important and build up their self-worth through meaningful activities that stimulate their learning and interests, and help others.

On May 11 Magellan Healthcare hosted a webinar, “Addressing the effects of social media on kids,” for Mental Health Month with former Magellan child psychiatrists, Dr. Keith Brown and Dr. LaShondra Washington, and Senior Director Children’s Healthcare Barbara Dunn, and Creator of Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment Greg Dicharry. Watch a recording of the webinar at https://www.magellanhealthcare.com/event/addressing-the-effects-of-social-media-on-kids/.

[1] SAMHSA 2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, Youth Mental Health Trend Tables

Total wellbeing means that you feel fulfilled in all aspects of your life. Your mental health is a big part of your wellbeing. It is important to be aware of the signs or symptoms of mental stress so you can seek help or recognize when someone you care about may need help.

5 reasons why it is important to pay attention to your mental health and wellbeing

1. Mental illness is more common than you think. Mental illness does not discriminate, it affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. One in five U.S. adults experience mental illness, 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness, and 17% of youth aged 6 – 17 experience a mental health condition. Unfortunately, too many don’t seek help.
2. Mental illness affects your physical health. Your brain is part of your body. Mental and physical health are connected. In fact, mental illness can be the root of many physical symptoms. For example, if you are suffering from insomnia, heart palpitations, or fatigue, your doctor may want to rule out depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions as a potential cause.
3. Diseases or injuries can increase your risk. Just as mental illness can cause physical symptoms in your body, physical diseases, like cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and trauma such as head injuries, can raise your risk of mental illness. It is important that you are honest about your experiences when speaking with your doctor.
4. It runs in families. Mental illnesses tend to run in families due to both genetic factors and family cultural issues. Remember to include things like depression, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in your family health history along with information about heart disease, cancer, and other conditions.
5. Early detection makes a difference. Like medical conditions, getting diagnosed early generally leads to better outcomes. Getting the help you need can prevent symptoms of mental illness from getting worse and causing negative effects on your life, including strained relationships and difficulty managing work and finances.

Visit our 2022 Mental Health Month web page to discover more tools to address and spread awareness about mental health, wellbeing, and specific conditions as we recover from the pandemic and deal with civil, economic, and global unrest.

Sources: health.clevelandclinic.org, nami.org, nih.org

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been linked to an increased risk of physical health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. But how does OSA affect your ability to think clearly, learn and remember, and your emotional psychological, and social wellbeing?

If you have ever worked a 24-hour shift or experienced back-to-back days of poor sleep, it probably comes as no surprise to hear that OSA has been linked to cognitive and mental health issues. OSA causes frequent breathing interruptions, or apneas, while you sleep—as many as 30 per hour. OSA is associated with:

1. Trouble concentrating—OSA can lead to significant changes in two important brain chemicals, gamma-aminobutyric acid (known as GABA) and glutamate. Together, these two chemicals help maintain balance. People with OSA may have decreased levels of GABA and elevated levels of glutamate. GABA is a chemical messenger that acts as an inhibitor in the brain. It slows things down and helps you remain calm. Glutamate, on the other hand, speeds things up. When your glutamate levels are high, your brain is working in a state of stress and does not function as effectively.[1] Glutamate in high amounts has also been shown to contribute to brain damage.
2. Memory problems—Throughout the night your body fluctuates through different sleep stages, allowing your brain to process and sort out all the information it has gathered throughout the day. OSA stops the flow of oxygen to your brain or completely cuts it off multiple times during the night, robbing your ability to reach deep and restorative sleep These frequent disruptions can contribute to memory loss and have a negative impact on overall brain performance.[2]
3. Poor decision-making—Sleep is essential in maintaining brain health and contributes to your ability to learn and recall information. A lack of sleep caused by OSA can cause frequent problems with attention and concentration. If you suffer from OSA, you may have trouble focusing at work or school, being creative, solving problems, and making decisions.[3]
4. Depression and stress—OSA can cause hundreds of interruptions in your breathing during the night, which can set off a constant fight-or-flight response. You may wake up suddenly with your heart racing, sweating, and a feeling of doom. This can carry over into the daytime, causing you to feel run-down and sleepy and your body to be without the energy it needs to protect you against depression and stress.[4]

The good news about obstructive sleep apnea’s impacts on cognitive and mental health

While OSA can negatively impact your day-to-day life, there is hope. The harmful cognitive and mental health effects of OSA can be reversed with treatment. For some, this may mean lifestyle changes. For others, it may mean continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP—a machine that helps you sleep easier.

Want to learn more about obstructive sleep apnea?

Find the recording of our webinar, “Obstructive sleep apnea: Impacts, diagnosis and treatment,” to hear board-certified somnologist and neurologist, Dr. Karen Jablonski, physician clinical reviewer, Magellan Healthcare, and I discuss the mental and physical health impacts of OSA, and OSA diagnosis and treatment here.

[1] https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/sleep-apnea-takes-a-toll-on-brain-function#:~:text=They%20found%20that%20people%20with,calm%20%E2%80%94%20like%20a%20brake%20pedal.

[2] https://goodsomnia.com/blog/snoring-sleep-apnea/can-sleep-apnea-cause-memory-problems/

[3] https://www.sleephealthsolutionsohio.com/blog/sleep-apnea-and-brain-health/

[4] https://www.everydayhealth.com/sleep/sleep-apnea-link-depression-anxiety/