As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and social distancing becomes the new normal, we have seen rapid expansion of digitally delivered peer and family support. In this post, we explore emerging issues and considerations for using technology to reach others.

The use of technology to offer peer support is a practice that has been around for quite a while. Think about telephonic peer support via peer-operated warmlines. A from December 4, 2019 said this about warmlines:

“Unlike a hotline for those in immediate crisis, warmlines provide early intervention with emotional support that can prevent a crisis.”

Magellan has long been a supporter of peer-operated warmlines and has helped launch warmlines in multiple states.

You can find more information about warmline availability by state at www.warmline.org or by visiting the National Empowerment Center’s directory of peer-run warmlines.

As opportunities for in-person, face-to-face support have decreased, many peer-run organizations, along with traditional mental health providers, have shifted delivery of services to telehealth platforms. Yet, during this unprecedented COVID-19 public health crisis, we see increased demand for support from folks living with anxiety and depression. As more families are impacted by the pandemic, access to peer support is more critical than ever.

Peers have been quick to step up with a national grassroots-driven expansion of support via video conferencing platforms like Zoom. With this rapid expansion, however, we see wide variability in practices. Skills learned by providing in-person peer support do not necessarily translate onto a digital delivery platform. Individuals who are used to seeing a peer supporter in person may have a different experience when it’s offered through technology. In some cases, apps that purport to offer peer support are actually “peer-bots,” with real-time interactions being driven by algorithms and predictive analytics.

Fortunately, solutions to address the nuances of digital peer support have been developed. One of the most beneficial is training in digital peer support. Magellan partnered with Dr. Karen Fortuna to provide specialized training to our team members who provide peer and family support. Many other organizations and agencies have completed this training as well. It’s an important and necessary step to take as we navigate this new normal.

If you want to learn more about the state of practice relevant to digitally delivered peer support, check out this article from the April 2020 Journal of Medical Internet Research by Dr. Fortuna, Digital Peer Support Mental Health Interventions for People With a Lived Experience of a Serious Mental Illness: Systematic Review.

As we learn more about what works and what could be improved with peer support services via telehealth, we are paving new ground. What we do over the coming weeks and months will set the trajectory for digitally delivered peer support.  Let’s make sure we get to where we want to go safely, respectfully and responsibly.

This is an excerpt from the full eMpowered for Wellness May newsletter. To read the full article, go here.

Anyone who has gone through a traumatic event can develop symptoms of stress disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  Although the COVID-19 pandemic in general would not meet the criteria for formally causing a stress disorder, many of the same issues can result from such a widespread and overwhelming event.

The pandemic could be viewed as a long-term stress event.  It has become life-changing for the whole world.  As COVID-19 spreads across the globe, people may experience increased anxiety and fear triggered by the pandemic and constant news. In addition, the pandemic can be traumatizing for others: healthcare workers, people who have lost friends and loved ones, and people whose lives have drastically changed.

What are stress-related disorders?

Stress-related disorders can occur after you have been through a traumatic event. A traumatic event is something horrible and scary that you see or that happens to you. During this type of event, you think that your life or others’ lives are in danger. You may feel afraid or feel that you have no control over what is happening. These symptoms can change your behavior and how you live your life.

How can reaction to the COVID pandemic be similar to a stress disorder?

When you struggle with a stress disorder, it can be hard to anticipate when anxiety or depressive symptoms may flare up. Although it may appear that symptoms come out of nowhere, in most cases they are cued by factors called triggers. Internal triggers are the feelings, thoughts, memories, emotions, and bodily sensations that you feel or experience. External triggers are the people, places, and situations that can bring back memories of the traumatic event.  In the current environment this could be caused by news reports, social media or discussion with friends or family.

The first thing to realize is that many fears are unwarranted; anxiety may arise when you are in a completely safe environment. When you begin to despair or your fears consumer you, try to remember that your worries and fears may be extreme because of previous experiences and not current facts. Once you’ve realized what may trigger these fears and anxiety, you can begin to try to deal with them.

How to cope with stress-related symptoms amid COVID-19

• Cultivate ways to be calmer. It’s understandable to feel anxious and worried about what may happen. While circumstances may be stressful and beyond your control, you can try to offset them with positive, calming activities. Practice slow, steady breathing and muscle relaxation, as well as any other actions that are calming for you (yoga, exercise, music, keeping the mind occupied).
• Understand what is within your control. Accept circumstances that cannot be changed and focus on what you can do. Evaluate your risk of contracting the virus, practice social distancing and follow clinical guidance on other practices. If you are in quarantine or isolation, do things that can support your mental health.¹ Focusing on what you can control and do can help you deal with the unknown.
• Remain hopeful. Keep a long-term perspective. Look for opportunities to practice being more patient or kind with yourself, or to see the situation as an opportunity to learn or build strengths. Celebrate successes, find things to be grateful about, and take satisfaction in completing tasks, even small ones. Remember that this will not last forever.
• Lean on your network. Make the most of technology and stay in touch with colleagues, friends and family via phone calls, texts, social media and video conferencing. Consider joining a free support group online to stay connected.² If you have a therapist, try to continue your treatment by phone or online.
• Focus on the potential positives. Try and focus on the things that can be viewed positively such as spending more time with family and a experiencing a potential to grow. Many times, going through a stressful time like this can lead to post-traumatic growth. This growth can be seen as though the stressful event was a trial or challenge that you conquered, something you learned from and became more resilient through. Sometimes stress can stimulate personal growth and improved overall coping.

For more information and tips, www.MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

More people are being exposed to infection as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to grow, resulting in an increased need for quarantines. The fear, stress and stigma associated with being quarantined can be damaging to one’s mental health.

The differences between isolation, quarantine and social distancing

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines medical isolation, quarantine and social distancing as follows:

Isolation – The separation of a person or group of people confirmed or suspected to be infected with COVID-19, and potentially infectious, from those who are not infected. This can prevent spread of the virus. Isolation for public health purposes may be voluntary or compelled by federal, state, or local public health order.

Quarantine – The separation of individuals who have had close contact with a COVID-19 case, but are not showing symptoms, to determine whether they develop symptoms of the disease. This keeps the person from potentially spreading the virus in the community. Quarantine for COVID-19 should last for a period of 14 days in a room with a door. If symptoms develop during the 14-day period, the individual should be placed under isolation and evaluated for COVID-19.

Social Distancing – The act of remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet, or 2 meters) from others when possible. Social distancing strategies can be applied on an individual level (e.g., avoiding physical contact), a group level (e.g., canceling group activities where individuals will be in close contact), and an operational level (e.g., rearranging desks in an office to increase distance between workers).

 Emotional impact of quarantine

The simple act of being quarantined can be distressing. When people are quarantined, they:

• Can be completely separated from loved ones
• Lose their freedom of movement
• Don’t know if they will show symptoms or not
• Don’t know how the disease may affect them
• Have no understanding of how long they will be separated
• Experience boredom and have too much time to worry about the situation

People who have been quarantined have reported or shown a high prevalence of symptoms of psychological distress and disorder. Symptoms reported include emotional disturbance, confusion, depression, stress, irritability, insomnia and post-traumatic stress symptoms. In addition, the stigma surrounding those in quarantine can lead people to feel rejected and/or avoid seeking help.

How to reduce the negative effects on mental health

• Seek trusted information sources. COVID-19 information and news is everywhere, and it’s hard to know what’s true. Follow news from the World Health Organization, the CDC and your state health department. Stay away from suspect information that well-intentioned people may share on social media. If you have specific questions about your situation, call your doctor.
• Make sure you have adequate supplies. Make your experience as tolerable as possible. Make sure you have basic supplies such as food, water and medicine for the duration of the quarantine period. Many communities have stores or services that will deliver essential items to your door, so keep a list in case you need anything.
• Make the most of your downtime. As noted above, isolation, boredom and stigma negatively impact mental health. Call old friends you haven’t talked to. Catch up on your reading, do crossword puzzles or play electronic games. Listen to music. Organize those piles of paper you haven’t gotten to. If you can, work remotely.
• Keep a journal, blog or vlog about your experience. Writing down your feelings and experiences, or talking about them, can be cathartic for some people. And if you are comfortable sharing it, your journal can be helpful for other people in the same situation.
• Don’t be afraid to reach out. Talk to a neighbor or two and let them know of your situation so they can help. Find others who are going through the same thing or have been in your shoes before. Talking to someone who knows what you’re going through can help you feel less alone.
• Focus on how you are helping. Remind yourself that your isolation, while difficult to bear, is truly helping contain the spread of disease and potentially saving lives.

If you find yourself feeling overly sad, angry or anxious, contact a behavioral health professional. They can conduct appointments over the phone and provide helpful advice.

After the quarantine

You’ve stayed away from everyone for 14 days, and you’re still healthy. When you are released from quarantine, remember that social distancing may still be in force.

You might have some residual stress from being alone for so long, or you might be angry that you had to stay separated from loved ones when you weren’t contagious. It’s OK to have those feelings. If they don’t subside after a few months, talk to a behavioral health provider.

For more information and tips, visit www.MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

While the pandemic may be causing you and your loved one feelings of anxiety and apprehension, now is a good time to look for reasons to be happy. Practice these tips to nurture yourself, improve your mood and help others.

1. Be kind. Call your friends and neighbors. Maintain social distancing, but smile to all the grocery workers who are keeping the shelves stocked. Ask an elderly neighbor if they need anything. An act of kindness boosts serotonin, a natural antidepressant in your brain, in both you and others.

2. Be thankful. Don’t rush through your daily interactions on autopilot. Slow down and notice when someone is kind to you, even in the smallest way, and show them your appreciation. When you practice thankfulness, you become more positive; that helps others feel good too.

3. Deepen your connections: Share your feelings about this experience with those closest to you. Encourage each other to make the best of this moment in time, and come up with a game plan to support each other moving forward.

4. Move your body. Exercise is vital to maintaining physical and mental health. Get your heart pumping by taking a walk in your neighborhood, going on a hike in nature or using an app for a guided training or yoga session. If you do go outside for a walk, maintain social distancing.

5. Write down your thoughts. Keeping a journal is a powerful way to get perspective. Clarifying your thoughts and feelings on paper helps you get to know yourself better and release the stresses of daily life.

6. Meditate. All you need to do is sit quietly for a few minutes, breathe deeply and let your mind relax. Meditation alleviates anxiety and helps you get in touch with your inner self, helping you face the world in a centered and focused way. Find free guided meditation sessions online.

7. Determine what is really bothering you. Vague worries are harder to manage because they are all jumbled together. Try to get clear on what you are specifically concerned about. Finding the root of the worry helps you figure out what to do about it.

8. Play games. Engaging in a game with others online, or even by yourself on your phone, helps you take your mind off other things. Give yourself permission to have some fun.

9. Dine Well. Have fun with food. Make your favorite recipes. Set the table with your finest dishes. Cook a meal with others. If you live alone, share pictures with friends for fun.

10. Remind yourself that this will pass. Try and come to terms with what you can’t control, and focus on what you can do to move through this time in a positive way. Draw on skills you have used during other difficult times, and remember how those times eventually passed by.

For more information and tips, visit MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to increase public awareness of mental health conditions.  We can break down the stigma by ending the silence. About 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness. It is important to be able to talk openly about it to get people the help they need. It is particularly timely this year, as we are seeing stigma associated with COVID-19, and we must do what we can to stamp out stigma in all its forms.

Understanding mental illness

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling or mood. Such conditions may affect someone’s ability to relate to others and function each day. Each person will have different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis. If you have — or think you might have — a mental illness, the first thing you must know is that you are not alone. Mental health conditions are far more common than you think, mainly because people don’t like to, or are afraid to, talk about them.

Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, income, social status, religion or race/ethnicity.

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
• 1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders worldwide.

The exact causes of mental illness are not fully understood. However, factors that can contribute to mental health problems include:

• Genes and family history
• Biological factors such as brain chemistry and brain injury
• Serious medical conditions
• The use of alcohol or other drugs
• Traumatic life experiences
• Isolation and other social factors

Mental illness is not a character flaw or something that a person can just “snap out of.” For many people, recovery — including meaningful roles in social life, school and work — is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a strong role in your own recovery process.

Sadly, many people never seek treatment out of fear and shame. The stigma of having a mental illness or substance use disorder is two-fold: people suffer needlessly even though effective treatments are available, and they’re also at higher risk of premature death. For example, people with depression have a higher risk of heart disease and cancer. Studies also show that people with severe mental illness have a higher incidence of chronic diseases and tend to die 10 – 25 years earlier than the general population.¹

Stamping Out Stigma

Everyone experiences the ups and downs of mental health. Many people have a mental illness or know a friend or family member who has struggled with one. To stamp out stigma and get people the help they need NAMI offers these practical tips:

• Talk openly and honestly about your own experiences with mental illness and addiction.
• Educate yourself and others about the facts of mental illness. Mental disorders are treatable just as physical diseases are, and people with mental illness are not to blame for their condition.
• Recognize the signs of mental illness and seek professional help when needed.
• Show empathy for those living with mental health and substance use disorders.
• Be aware of your attitudes and language used to describe mental illness and people with mental illness. Jokes and name-calling are hurtful and perpetuate demeaning stereotypes.

Let’s work together to Stamp Out Stigma!

Sources:

[1] Management Information Sheet. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health

²Social Stigma associated with COVID-19. (2020, February). Retrieved April 10, 2020, from https://www.unicef.org/media/65931/file/Social%20stigma%20associated%20with%20the%20coronavirus%20disease%202019%20(COVID-19).pdf

The stress of COVID-19 can present many challenges to those who are in recovery. In particular, social distancing is limiting people’s ability to get support from friends, family, and support groups.

Connection to others in recovery is a big part of the solution for many in recovery. Meetings make people feel supported and understood in ways nothing or no one else can. With much of the world under orders to quarantine or shelter in place, people in recovery can struggle to maintain a connection to their support groups. The good news is many recovery groups are scheduling virtual meetings, and that number is increasing each day.

Below are links to information about virtual 12-step and non-12-step meetings. These meetings take place in a variety of ways: over the phone, in online community posting forums, in social media groups, and through video.

Also, if you have a sponsor, peer specialist, or other special relationship, maintain that connection through text, email, phone, and FaceTime, or Skype.

12-Step Programs 

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA; aa.org): For regularly scheduled virtual meetings, visit aa-intergroup.org and click on Online Meetings.

• Narcotics Anonymous (NA; na.org): For regularly scheduled virtual meetings, visit www.na.org/meetingsearch. In the NA Meeting Search box on the right, select “Phone” or “Web” in the Country field drop-down list.

• Al-Anon (for families and friends of alcoholics; al-anon.org): For regularly scheduled virtual meetings, visit al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings.

• Nar-Anon (for families and friends of addicts; nar-anon.org): For regularly scheduled virtual meetings, visit www.naranon.com/forum.

Other Programs

Some in recovery prefer non-12 step programs. Listed below are a few organizations who provide virtual support.

• SMART Recovery (for people with addictive problems; smartrecovery.org): To find online forums and meetings, visit www.smartrecovery.org/smart-recovery-toolbox/smart-recovery-online.

• LifeRing (for people addicted to alcohol or drugs; lifering.org): To find online video meetings via Zoom, visit www.lifering.org/online-meetings.

• Women for Sobriety (for women facing issues of alcohol or drug addiction; org): For information on the online community, visit wfsonline.org.

For more information and tips, visit MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

COVID-19 has disrupted our lives in many ways. The stress of social distancing and loss of routine, compounded with health and job concerns, has caused grief and anxiety levels to increase. What we thought of as “normal” is in transition, and we need to redefine how to cope with these changes.

Reasons people feel grief

Grief is a natural feeling accompanying any kind of loss. Typically, grief is associated with losing a loved one to death. With COVID-19, people are experiencing grief related to the loss of routines, livelihoods and relationships. While it is always good advice to be thankful for what we have, it is also important not to minimize the pandemic or its associated losses. Also challenging is that we do not know how long we’ll be impacted by COVID-19. With no clear end in sight, feelings of grief can intensify and make people feel less in control.

Grief shows itself in different ways

It’s perfectly normal to grieve when you can’t celebrate your child’s birthday, your friend’s graduation, your honeymoon or other important life events. It’s important to know that we all grieve differently. Some people may experience feelings more intensely than other people. We shouldn’t make judgments about how someone grieves. There is nothing wrong with having emotions; it is a common response to loss. When we don’t express our feelings, they can get stuck in our bodies, causing physical illness and/or depression.

Listed below are some of the common emotions people experience when grieving, and they may be heightened because of the pandemic.

• Shock, disbelief and denial
• Anger
• Fear
• Guilt
• Helplessness
• Anxiety and depression
• Acceptance and hope
• Relief

Complicated grief

In the current environment, any losses experienced now have additional layers of complexity and depth. Likewise, if we’ve had previous traumas from earlier stages in our lives, the stress of the pandemic might bring up past life experiences that were painful. It’s important to be sensitive to those potential triggers.

COVID-19 has brought on many situations: not being able to say goodbye, to have a funeral service, to grieve because of taking care of others, dreams put on hold, etc. We don’t have the same levels of support due to the quarantine, such as being able to see loved ones and friends. For these reasons and others, it is important to develop coping skills to help get us through this difficult time.

Understanding grief

Part of what gives comfort during challenging times is understanding the healing process.

• Grief can be an ongoing process. It can take on different forms and meanings and with time; the intensity and feelings of grief do change.
• Grief doesn’t mean you obsessively think about what has happened. It is important to allow yourself to deal with the feelings, but obsessively thinking about the pain and fear will only make the feelings worse and can trigger anxiety.
• Grief does not mean “forgetting.” If you have experienced a significant loss or you have missed out on a long-planned event, it is okay to think about who or what you will miss. Part of the grieving process involves keeping your loved ones and/or cherished dreams with you emotionally, as they are still a part of you even if they are no longer a physical reality.
• Grief involves growth. Whether it is coping with the death of a loved one, going through a traumatic event or dealing with the loss of a job, no one chooses these experiences. Working through grief and sorting through intense emotions can help you learn new things about yourself and discover new strengths that can result in emotional growth and maturity. In this way, loss sometimes yields gifts.

How to help yourself

• Build a virtual support system. In the era of social distancing, be creative about how to give and receive support. It’s important to turn to friends, co-workers or family members for support. People like to be of service. Giving and receiving are part of the same equation and benefit all.
• Focus on hope. We all have times when we feel hopeless. Being hopeful helps you realize that we all have tough times and that those times will pass, as will the feelings associated with them.
• Take care of yourself. The mind and body are connected. When you feel good physically, you also feel better emotionally. When you feel sad, do not be influenced by how others think you should grieve. It’s important to feel whatever you feel without embarrassment or judgment. It’s okay to be angry, cry or not cry. It’s also okay to laugh, find moments of joy and let go when we’re ready.
• Practice gratitude. Sometimes when people are in the midst of loss, they have deep moments of gratitude for what they once had. Practicing gratitude trains our minds to change our thinking and to see the glass as half full.

How to help others

• What to say. It can feel awkward when conversing with someone going through grief. You may wonder what to say ornot say; however, don’t avoid the topic or be afraid to bring it up. Open the door for the grieving person to talk about their feelings. It’s not helpful to say things like, “There’s a reason for everything,” or ” “I know how you feel.” Instead, you can offer a simple expression of sorrow, such as “I’m sorry you’re going through this,” or “I don’t know how you feel, but I’d like to help in any way I can.”
• Sometimes the best thing to say is nothing. Or very little. A grieving person may need to tell their story again and again as part of the process. Be willing to listen without judgment. A good rule to follow is to listen 80 percent of the time and talk the other 20 percent. Your presence can be comforting to a grieving loved one, and you don’t have to do anything special. Often, grieving people just don’t want to be alone.
• Avoid giving advice. Unless someone specifically asks for your advice, it isn’t your place to give it. Grieving people need to do things in their own unique way.
• Don’t take things personally. When people are in profound emotional pain, they can cycle through a whole range of feelings, including irritability and anger. If a grieving person snaps at you, or doesn’t feel like engaging, don’t take it personally. It’s not about you.
• Offer to help. Grieving can make the demands of daily living feel overwhelming. Many times, the grieving person does not want to burden others by asking for help. Don’t wait for them to ask. Instead, offer to help by bringing over dinner, shopping, gardening, etc. During the quarantine, there might be a limit to what you can physically do to help, but you can still take on tasks for the individual to relieve some burdens.

For more information and tips, visit MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. The Social Distancing concept, which is intended to reduce disease transmission and currently being practiced by communities at large, can be very isolating and lead to increase in stress levels. How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in.

People who might have more difficulty responding effectively to the stress of a crisis include:

• Those who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use
• Children and teens

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, and feel like you want to harm yourself or others please call 911.

In general, health impacts from stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

People with physical and mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Make sure you continue to take your medications as prescribed and contact your healthcare provider if you find you are starting to feel worse.

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. You can do this remotely through phone or video.

Things you can do to support yourself

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others over phone or video. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Look out for these common signs of distress:

• Feelings of numbness, disbelief, anxiety or fear.
• Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting thoughts and images.
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes.
• Worsening of chronic health problems.
• Anger or short-temper.
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Reduce stress in yourself and others

1. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media.
2. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
3. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
4. Connect with others over phone or video. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
5. Use trusted sources for information such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), The World Health Organization and state health department websites and encourage others to do the same.

For Parents

Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include

• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
• Excessive worry or sadness
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
• Difficulty with attention and concentration
• Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
• Unexplained headaches or body pain
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

There are many things you can do to support your child, including:

• Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share factual information about COVID-19 from the aforementioned trusted sources in a way that your child or teen can understand.
• Reassure your child or teen it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
• Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
• Be a role model.  Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members over the phone or through video.

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

To learn more about what Magellan Healthcare is doing to support clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

To learn more about Magellan Health’s corporate response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to view Magellan’s available resources click here: https://www.magellanhealth.com/news/covid-19/