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

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