Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns are growing, and school closures are happening in most states. While grown-ups are anxiously figuring out how to handle the impacts of these decisions, kids are observing everything and may feel just as scared and confused as adults.

Talking with children about COVID-19

Children look to parents, guardians, caregivers and other trusted adults to help them make sense of what is happening in the world. COVID-19 is the topic of conversations everywhere on social media, web news outlets and TV. Everyone is being exposed to the fear and uncertainty of this global pandemic.

Children might find it difficult to understand what they are seeing or hearing about COVID-19, so they can be particularly vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness. As an adult, it’s important to make yourself available to listen to children’s thoughts and communicate in an age-appropriate way that addresses children’s questions without stoking anxiety. Children react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with a stressful situation calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides Tips for Caregivers, Parents and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks that includes information on possible reactions and tips for talking with children and youth of different age groups.

Tips for staying at home with children during the outbreak

• Focus on the uniqueness of the moment. This situation has never happened before. How can you make the best of it? Yes, it is stressful on many levels, but for your children, it is a time they will never forget and there is an opportunity in forced togetherness to reinforce your family bonds.
• Plan for different age groups. Younger children will love being home. Young teenagers may not be as thrilled by not being able to hang out with their friends on a daily basis. High schoolers can handle themselves and may be able to help with the younger kids if you have to work.
• Bend with the wind. Meaning: be flexible with the schedule. Let children play, do a fun project together (make cookies or do a craft), eat breakfast for lunch and make room for downtime to read and hang out. Your kids may have quite a bit of time at home, so try to maintain your patience and perspective.

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/

Adapted from: Stockwell, A. (2020, March 13). What to do with your kids when schools are canceled. Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2020/3/13/21178234/coronavirus-covid-19-school-closures-kids-home

Humans are social beings, and the social distancing that is necessary to flatten the coronavirus curve is hard on everyone. The forced change in social behavior and the resulting isolation can affect people’s mental health in many ways. Whether you are home alone, with a sick family member or with kids out of school, isolation can increase stress and anxiety.

Depending on your situation, isolation can impact you in different ways. From loneliness to feeling cramped, dealing with these feelings on top of worrying about the COVID-19 outbreak can be overwhelming.

General tips
• Keep in touch with your social support groups virtually through social media, FaceTime, Skype, online games and other digital platforms.
• If the weather is nice, go outside and get some fresh air. Maintain a 6-foot distance from others.
• Stay busy. Read, play games or work on a project.
• Decrease the time you spend watching or listening to upsetting media coverage.
• Draw on skills that you have used during difficult times in the past to manage your emotions. That may include deep breathing, meditation, positive self-talk, etc.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, exercise and get enough sleep.
• Avoid using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs to cope with your emotions.
• Access information that can help you cope with stress, worry and confusion during the pandemic. Visit Magellan Healthcare’s COVID-19 response website for information and links to self-assessments, videos and other resources.
• Get the facts about your risk and how to take precautions. Use trusted national and international resources including the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and State Departments of Health.

For people living with children
• Remember that during times of stress, it is common for children to seek more attachment and be more demanding on parents.
• Be honest when discussing COVID-19, but do so in an age-appropriate way. If your children have concerns, help them ease their anxiety.
• Make sure you model good behavior. Children will observe adults for cues on how to manage their own emotions during difficult times.
• Help children find positive ways to express their fears about the situation. Every child has their own way to express emotions. Sometimes engaging in a creative activity such as drawing can help this process.
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment and practice familiar routines in daily life as much as possible, especially if children are confined to home.
• Provide children with engaging activities

For caretakers of older adults
• Provide practical and emotional support by sharing simple facts about what is going on.
• Give clear information about how to reduce risk of infection in words older people with/without cognitive impairment can understand. Repeat the information whenever necessary.
• Engage their family and other support networks in providing information and helping them practice prevention measures (handwashing, proper sneezing and coughing techniques, etc.).
• Be aware that older adults in isolation and/or those with cognitive decline/dementia may become more anxious, angry, stressed, agitated or withdrawn during this time.
• Encourage older adults with experience and special skills to help others by providing virtual peer support, reading to children over the phone, and the like.

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/

Adapted from Miller, H. (2020, March 10). WHO gives advice on handling mental health toll from the coronavirus. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/10/who-gives-advice-on-handling-mental-health-toll-caused-by-coronavirus.html. March 13, 2020.

It is midnight and I’m feeling anxious. I am hearing my daughter cough—she and I returned from New York City four days ago. I’m highly aware of what is known about the incubation and symptom development of the coronavirus. What if she, I, and all the others flying home from NYC last week became the latest vectors of this disease? I have a feeling of dread that I can’t shake, and it’s fueled by the fact that I can’t protect her from any illness, let alone coronavirus.

Anxiety is natural. It’s to be expected in times like these. The news cycle keeps us up to date on every change in the number of infected persons, or the number likely to die. There is a sense of foreboding about whether oneself will get sick, or whether our children or parents will fall ill. We rightly worry about what will happen to the economy and our financial well-being. And, it’s not as if anything else goes away—there is still work, financial obligations, an impending presidential election, countries at unease, and climate change. It is easy to reach the point of feeling on edge, irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel some of those feelings tonight.

Turning the Anxiety Around

Here are some helpful tips to consider as you grapple with the uneasy feelings associated with the coronavirus:

1. Accept It – It’s important to accept that this is happening; it’s real. Don’t pretend that it’s not. Look for the middle ground here—avoid the Armageddon predictions, as well as the pundits who say this will be over in a week. Accept that your partner, your children, your friends, your parents likely have some level of anxiety—some more than others. Be willing to share those feelings—sharing does not mean that one is weak. That honesty may make one feel less isolated in learning that others feel the same way. Talk to your kids to understand their feelings. My daughter asked me why I was buying extra groceries when I had told her that I wasn’t scared. Her question opened up a wonderful conversation; I am so glad she asked.
2.  Be Informed – Keep yourself informed, but, don’t fall for the endless news cycle and the counting of the numbers of people who have become infected, or what the politicians are saying. Use legitimate sources such as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control websites. Listen to the science. Know what your public health authorities are saying so that closures don’t come as a surprise, and you are aware of mitigation efforts.
3. Recognize our Burdened System – Try to understand that the healthcare system is under strain right now. The coronavirus is additive—none of the other needs for healthcare have gone away. This means that triaging is critically important and because for the vast majority of cases—those with mild and moderate symptoms—the care is symptomatic, there is no cure. Demanding to be seen because of cold or flu symptoms doesn’t serve anyone. Those with documented fevers, and with shortness of breath or labored breathing, need to be prioritized and seen first.
4. Take Advantage of the Time – If you are now working at home, embrace some of the time you’ve saved in not commuting. Use this time to go for an outdoor walk, or to do yoga in the house. Start journaling. Engage in self-care, and care for those who live with you. Read your child an extra story, cook a hot breakfast, watch something that will make you laugh. All of this will support your ability to focus while you are at working from home. And if you are still needed in the office, use this time to focus on the task at hand. Remember to engage in handwashing, and social distancing. Use your commute to focus on something other than the coronavirus. Listen to a book or find new music. While at work, think about starting a desk exercise routine.
5. Recognize the Challenges – Realize that working from home and social distancing can be hard, especially in our tech-enabled world. If you are someone who travels a great deal for work, and those travels have been placed on hold, understand that you might become antsy at being grounded for weeks on end. Your routine, and the routine of your family has been upset. Talk about it. Understand that while it may be hard for you to stay home, it may be hard for your family to change their usual routine that takes place in your absence. It will take time to adjust and that’s okay. That’s the reality.
6. Maintain a Routine – Do your best to keep your usual schedule, and keep your kids on their schedule, too. This isn’t a holiday. It’s a time to be productive at home during the usual work and school hours. It’s a time to get a full night’s sleep. Print worksheets for your kids. Read. Keep screen time limited to educational activities. If going outdoors is an option, stay active outside. If it’s not, access an exercise program online. Checkout online books from your local library. Play a game. Do a puzzle. Watch television or stream some of the content you’ve been wanting to watch—but not for endless hours. I have ordered a PSAT prep book, and downloaded DuoLingo for my daughter. While she’s not so happy about that, those unpopular choices are the right thing to do.
7. Seek Help – Finally, if the anxiety is affecting your ability to carry out your roles, seek counseling. While face-to-face visits may not be possible, look for telemedicine or tele-behavioral health providers. If these are not an option, seek support through app-based services. Apps that focus on cognitive behavioral therapy or problem-focused therapy may be helpful. Look for apps that support relaxation, medication, and techniques to deal with insomnia.

As our country engages in mitigation, and promotes self-isolation and quarantine, realize that none of this is easy. But it is necessary. You aren’t in it alone—the whole community, even most of the world’s population is adjusting to this new state of life. By participating in what is best for the community, you are taking control of the anxiety by doing something to fight the spread of coronavirus. It’s important to recognize the critical role you are playing in this fight. Thank you.

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/

The COVID-19 global pandemic is taking a physical, mental and emotional toll on doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and caregivers. The long work hours and limited resources are causing overwork, exhaustion and in some cases, compassion fatigue. Not to mention balancing your work with the concerns for your own family and loved ones.

What is compassion fatigue?

Compassion fatigue is a state of chronic physical and mental distress and exhaustion. People with this fatigue often describe a negative shift in their world view and a preoccupation with the illness of others. They may experience stress and burnout, affecting their ability to be effective in their jobs and relate to their loved ones and friends.

Tips for preventing compassion fatigue:

• Make self-care a priority. Despite your workload, do your best to practice healthy habits. Focus on making sure you are staying hydrated, sleeping as much as possible, eating nutritious meals and getting exercise when you can. Follow the COVID-19 CDC guidelines on keeping yourself and your family’s risk low.
• Boost your emotional resilience. Deep breathing, meditation, being grateful and allowing yourself some down time are ways to keep your life in balance, so you are better able to handle stress, setbacks and crises.
• Get social support. Reaching out over the phone or through a text message to supportive loved ones, friends and colleagues can be a calming influence and shift your perspective on what you are dealing with every day.
• Be proud of your profession. Your work is important. You are caring for people during the first-ever pandemic caused by a coronavirus and giving them hope and strength.
• Seek professional help. If you are experiencing distress and/or symptoms of burnout, take advantage of your healthcare and employee assistance benefits and meet with a behavioral health professional who can help.

We wholeheartedly thank you for all you are doing to care for others and combat this outbreak.

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

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the United States continues to evolve, with more cases and quarantines popping up on news feeds everywhere. The closer it gets to their homes, the more people are worrying. In our last post, “Addressing anxiety about the coronavirus,” we talked about the things people can do to help feel less anxious and more in control. But what about the people on the front lines? Nurses, doctors, healthcare workers and other medical professionals who are testing for and treating patients with COVID-19 are at a higher risk of contracting it than the general public. What can they do to take care of themselves, physically and emotionally?

As Kushal, Gupta and Mehta stated in Study of Stress among Health Care Professionals: A Systemic Review, “Work related stress is a potential cause of concern in healthcare workers and is associated with decreased job satisfaction, days off work, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness , medical errors and near misses.” Long shifts and working with sick people—some of whom are gravely ill—can lead to burnout and anxiety from their normal jobs. These already-struggling healthcare workers are now faced with COVID-19 unknowns and demands, including taking care of people with confirmed cases of the virus.

While some people may feel they are at the whims of the virus, there are things healthcare workers can do to take some control over their work environment and manage their fear or anxiety.

• Know what your organization’s plans are. Read the business continuity plan and know your role. Talk to your team members about cross-training and covering for each other if one of you gets sick. In addition, ensure you are following proper protocols for cleaning and preventing spread. Visit cdc.gov for helpful information. This is particularly important for behavioral health providers who may not always think about universal precautions.
• Surround yourself with green. If your facility permits, bring in a few plants to liven up your surroundings. Being around plants has a calming effect on people. Employees who work in offices with plants tend to feel better about their jobs, worry less and take fewer sick days.¹ If you can’t have plants in your space, take time to look out the window and find some green. You may find that is enough for a quick mental break and perspective.
• Use small tools to create a calming environment. A small water feature, a sand garden or hourglass, stress balls and other items can provide a quick way to refresh your mind. Or just step back, take deep breaths, stretch and/or meditate.
• Find someone to talk to. Some hospitals have on-site or on-call chaplains; take advantage of them. Don’t be afraid to talk to your coworkers about how you are feeling. Chances are, they are feeling the same way and would welcome a discussion. Many medical settings offer a form of rounds that addresses the emotional impact of caring for a particular patient or theme. Similar semi-structured discussion groups with peers can be very helpful in handling stress and preventing the development of PTSD.²
• Get professional help. Be open to contacting your organization’s EAP, if you have one, or reach out to a therapist if you find yourself developing “compassion fatigue,” where your desire to help others erodes.
• Limit exposure to media. Media outlets have a tendency to sensationalize stories, so it’s important to consume news thoughtfully and with a critical eye.

In addition, do all the normal things to take care of yourself: try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs. Doing these things can have a positive impact on your mental health and help you manage anxiety.

For more information and tips, visit MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19. We wholeheartedly thank you for all you are doing to combat this outbreak.

1: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-houseplants.

2: See Schwartz rounds.

Disclaimer: The content in this blog article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For questions regarding any medical condition or if you need medical advice, please contact your healthcare provider.

As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to evolve with ongoing media coverage, many people are experiencing anxiety due to the uncertainty about how this will impact them. They are worried about the impact to their communities, how they can protect themselves and their families, and how to be prepared if the situation disrupts the normal course of daily life.

It is normal to feel anxious, unsettled, distracted, scared and/or overwhelmed by COVID-19 and the uncertainty surrounding its impact to communities. Some people may be more vulnerable due to pre-existing physical and mental health conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder.

Feeling stressed can affect the immune system and increase the risk of getting ill in general. That is why it is important to take steps to manage anxiety and reactions to this evolving situation. The following suggestions can help people manage anxiety and stress for themselves and their families:

1. Seek health information from trusted resources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), The World Health Organization and state health department websites.
2. Plan ahead to feel more in control. Make contingency plans for work, childcare or travel if it becomes necessary.
3. Wash hands often, get plenty of rest, exercise, eat well, don’t smoke and limit alcohol consumption.
4. Put things into perspective:
   1. Of the 80,000 confirmed coronavirus cases reported in China, “more than 70% have recovered and been discharged,” according to the World Health Organization (WHO) in a news conference on Monday.¹
   2. Per the CDC, only certain groups, such as older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions, are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19.²
   3. Public health officials are working to mitigate the virus’ spread.
5. Limit exposure to media. Media outlets have a tendency to sensationalize stories, so it’s important to consume news thoughtfully and with a critical eye.

Magellan Healthcare has resources to help people during crises and difficult times. Our Crisis Communications website provides topical information and connects people with U.S. resources, and our Mind Your Mental Health site addresses many topics related to emotional well-being.

1: https://www.cnn.com/asia/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-03-09-20-intl-hnk/index.html, “More than 70% of coronavirus cases in China have recovered, WHO says,” posted 3/9/20, 7:25 p.m. EDT, Jacqueline Howard, accessed from site 3/10/20, 12:57 p.m. EDT.

2: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/high-risk-complications.html#who-is-higher-risk, accessed 3/10/20, 12:34 p.m. EDT.

Disclaimer: The content in this blog article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For questions regarding any medical condition or if you need medical advice, please contact your healthcare provider.

Mental health disorders are among the costliest health concerns for employers in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults live with a mental illness. Depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health disorders but often go undiagnosed and untreated.¹

Many factors may contribute to mental health issues, including traumatic or abusive life experiences, biology, and family history of mental health problems. Unfortunately, social stigma and fear of discrimination prevent many people from seeking help.

Employee mental health impacts the bottom line

Poor mental health and stress can negatively affect employee job performance, productivity and relationships. In addition, as physical health is inextricably linked to mental health, many people with mental health disorders are at high risk for chronic physical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illnesses.²

The reverse is also true; physical illness, such as cardiovascular disease, may cause or worsen mental health issues, particularly symptoms of depression.³ Healthcare costs to treat people with both mental and physical disorders can easily be two to three times higher than for people without co-occurring illnesses.⁴

Employers have a unique opportunity to improve employee mental health

Investing in mental health treatment in general has proven to be cost-effective. Employers can reduce health care costs for their businesses and their employees by addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Many evidence-based treatments can save $2 to $4 for every dollar invested in prevention and early intervention.⁵ An effective approach is not one-size-fits-all but takes into consideration generational differences and employee diversity.

A recent study published in the Harvard Business Review called “People want their employers to talk about mental health” indicated that millennials (the cohort of people born between 1981 to 1996) were three times more likely to experience anxiety than baby boomers.⁶ Gen Zers (those born between 1997 to 2012) report even higher rates of anxiety and depression. Millennials and Gen Z employees are the largest demographic in the workforce, and those who took part in the survey indicated an expectation that mental health be addressed in the workplace openly and without stigma.

Develop a customized approach to promoting mental health resources

The Harvard Business Review study recommends a multi-faceted approach that includes a more accepting culture starting from the top, with training and support, as well as clear information about employee resources such as availability of mental health benefits, wellness programs and employee assistance programs.

Employers should be cognizant of where their different employee groups seek information and use those channels (whether it’s the intranet, staff meetings, one-on-one meetings, employee resource groups, digital signs and posters, instant messaging platforms, or other social media venues) to provide needed information. Virtual mental health counseling and the availability of mental health apps offer convenient and mobile-friendly emotional support, particularly for younger employee groups accustomed to using their smart phones for everything from texting to shopping.

Dislodging stigma and experimenting with different communications channels to meet the needs of a diverse workforce can be challenging for human resources departments and managers. But the end result will be worth the effort: a healthier work environment that supports healthier employees and enhanced productivity.

Learn more about how your organization can benefit from an EAP solution.

1 “Facts & Statistics.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA, https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics.

2 “Chronic Illness & Mental Health.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/chronic-illness-mental-health/index.shtml.

3 “Chronic Illness & Mental Health.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/chronic-illness-mental-health/index.shtml.4 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2748662?

5 Lerner D, Lyson M, Sandberg E, & Rogers W.H. (2018). The High Cost of Mental Disorders- Facts for

Employers. Retrieved from https://onemindinitiative.org/at-work/the-business-case/

6 Greenwood, Kelly, Bapa, Vivek, Maughan, Mike (2019). Research: People want their employers to talk about mental health. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2019/10/research-people-want-their-employers-to-talk-about-mental-health

Consumerization of products continues to drive new innovations across the marketplace. For example, you can use your smartphone as a GPS device, to request a car service directly to your house and to shop for a new car online, seeing the prices other people paid in real time. In banking, we’ve seen the transition from teller to the ATM to online banking, smartphone banking and now, using your smartphone as a smart pay device. Underscoring all of these innovations is the desire to make whatever experience the consumer is engaging in easier, simpler and more personalized.

Healthcare is no different. Across the healthcare continuum, companies like ours are finding new and innovative ways to enhance member engagement and participation in the healthcare journey, particularly through computerized or mobile devices. Think about how healthcare has changed over the past 50 years – house calls from doctors to office visits to telephone triage and now, computerized therapy and text therapy.

At Magellan, we’ve invested in a unique type of computerized therapy – Computerized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CCBT) – to help individuals seek the therapy they need, in the comfort, convenience and privacy of their own home. Our CCBT programs were originally developed more than 20 years ago, for stand-alone personal computer use, but have since been developed for use on the internet and mobile devices, in both English and Spanish.

 The following five conditions make up more than 90 percent of behavioral health complaints in adults, and are present in more than 25 percent of adults:

• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance Abuse
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Within each condition, studies have shown CCBT to be effective at reducing symptoms and severity. Importantly, our CCBT programs have undergone clinical trials involving more than 1,000 patients and have received endorsements and recognition from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the United Kingdom’s National Institute of Clinical Excellence, Accreditation Canada and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Registry. Underscoring all of the studies and reviews, what can members expect? Sixty-nine percent of users show meaningful improvement within 30 days.

But CCBT isn’t just for members. We’ve found that providers can use a tool called Smart Screening to help screen individuals and triage them to the most appropriate levels of care on the CCBT platform, and in person, for the most serious cases. Various levels of screening can help direct individuals to CCBT, directly to an in-person counselor or a mix of both. Through this triage system, 90 percent of engaged participants rate this program as helpful and useful, and 75 percent of individuals actually prefer a non-medication care option when asked.

The most important thing about innovation in any industry – healthcare, banking or electronics – is refusing to rest on your laurels. There are new start-ups launched everyday whose mission it is to disrupt the status quo and provide new ways of doing things. As healthcare evolves, we plan to do the same.