Magellan Federal is the premier provider of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services for military members, federal workers, and their families. EAPs provide interventions for a myriad of problems that impact employee well-being and productivity. With more than 30 years of EAP experience and covering over 1.2M families with our services, we wanted to offer innovations and insight into our unique approach in serving Federal employees, and how EAPs are evolving to serve the modern workforce.

What is an EAP?

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) have played a crucial role in the lives of many employees. EAPs are offered by employers to help employees deal with stressful situations in their life and work. EAPs often include free and confidential counseling, legal and financial information and resources, work/life solutions, and telephonic health coaching. EAP services are free, available to employees and household members, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are many reasons why employees may contact the EAP services: for example, employees may need help with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship marital conflicts, parenting and children, grief and loss, job stress, substance use, and balancing work/life lifestyles.

Trends in EAP

The workplace has evolved significantly in the last few years, and as a result, EAPs are changing to serve the ever-evolving work landscape. Here are a few of the trends we are seeing.

Holistic Wellbeing

Employee Assistance Programs have continuously evolved due to the modern dynamics that employees face in their daily lives. EAPs traditionally offered services that improved employees’ physical, emotional, and mental health. In modern times, EAPs have extended their services to providing financial planning assistance, fitness programs, parenting and children advice, grief and loss, and marital conflicts. EAPs have adopted a holistic approach where employees’ life issues are thoroughly dealt with. The improved EAP services have positively impacted the lives of many employees facing various challenges in life.

Digital Transformation

Due to the ever-evolving technological landscape, people use multiple means of technology to gain access to knowledge and get help in every aspect of their lives. EAPs often adopt virtual counseling, wellness apps, online resources, and telehealth services to help employees anytime, regardless of their location. Digital transformation has enabled employees who work in remote areas to acquire the help they need when they visit EAP centers physically.

Mental Health Focus

There is a growing need to address the issue of employees’ mental health in the workplace. Employees are exposed to various challenges in their workplace and lives. Employers have embraced personalized intervention programs, such as mental wellness education and resilience programs, that address employees’ mental health. Employees are encouraged to enroll in these programs to get the care they deserve. EAPs can greatly emphasize employees’ mental health, thus improving their effectiveness.

To comprehensively support employee mental health, EAPs are evolving their care to mental health by creating awareness that mental illness is real and that it can be dealt with. EAPs can provide education on the issue of mental illness, help organizations normalize conversations about mental illness, and help organizations create a supportive culture to address mental health among employees. EAPs can help reduce the stigmatization of people, heal from mental health issues, and empower them to recover swiftly and continue with their duties at their workplaces.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity

As employers prioritize hiring individuals from different cultural backgrounds, EAPs strive to tailor their programs to accommodate different backgrounds. Employees from diverse backgrounds have unique problems that need personalized assistance rather than a general approach to helping them. EAPs are becoming more inclusive by offering assistance in multiple languages and addressing the cultural challenges that might be bothering employees.

Work/Life Integration

EAPs are critical in assisting employees with proper work/life balance. Employers constantly adapt to factors that reduce workloads and ensure employees have a sustainable work/life balance. EAPs can assist organizations in continuing to foster a proper work/life balance by helping employees manage their tasks effectively. EAPs are putting a focus on ensuring that employees refrain from draining their energy on one side of work/life and leaving the other unattended. By doing this, EAPs will contribute to employee satisfaction and well-being.

Data Analytics and Personalization

Different age sets and age groups have unique needs and preferences on how they should be assisted. A successful EAP should delve into understanding these preferences and helping the employees.

Employees have unique problems depending on what is happening in their lives. EAPs can tailor their efforts to match the various needs of employees. Through data collection and analysis, EAPs can get insights into employee demographics and preferences and tailor their services to meet their needs. By leveraging feedback from employees, EAPs can enhance treatment programs.

Innovations from Magellan Federal

With our extensive EAP experience, Magellan understands how robust, effective EAP services can impact a participant’s health and happiness. Here are some innovations we have implemented in our EAP program to assist today’s modern workers.

Remote Work Initiative

During COVID-19, employees were forced to work from home to avoid spreading the contagious disease. Despite the shift of the locations where they would work, these employees found themselves facing the same life issues that they had been facing while working physically at their workplace. Magellan Federal sought to address the well-being of employees by extending their services through secured digital platforms. We partnered with various employers who had their employees working from home to assist them and increase their awareness of the program’s services. The remote work initiative by Magellan Federal was received well by employers, governmental agencies, and labor unions. Feedback suggested that employee morale and productivity levels were high and that many employees who suffered from mental health had their issues solved by the company’s experts.

Holistic Wellbeing

We know that employees’ well-being does not cover only their physical, mental, and emotional well-being but also other components that ensure that they operate well in life and at the workplace. Magellan Federal collaborates with service providers to address diverse employee issues to improve their lives. Magellan Federal’s EAP offers unique guidance searches for financial and legal services. We understand that the current economic trends can be challenging to maintain, especially due to the harsh nature of inflation and fluctuation of product prices. Magellan offers personalized assistance to individuals depending on their income status and financial ability. We are also establishing a clinical-first model that will employ additional specialized experts, increasing our service effectiveness to employees. We believe it’s important for EAPs to attend to the diverse needs of employees, promoting a holistic approach to the overall well-being.

Digital Transformation

Magellan Federal understands the critical use of technology to deliver employee services in today’s digital world. Our EAP services are delivered via secured virtual meeting spaces and telehealth services to meet the needs of our customers 24/7. Consumers today want help at their fingertips. A significant feature of our success is a live chat that is available on our EAP member portal. The chat assists employees in maneuvering difficulties they are currently experiencing and does not delay the support needed at the time, thus reducing the chance of developing adverse effects of an issue to employees. We understand that in today’s workforce, it is important to continue to provide digital innovations as technologies change.

Mental Health Resilience Program

Magellan Health partnered with several health and statistics companies, such as Gallup and Sharp Health, to gain data and help employers and organizations address the mental health of their employees. From this data, we developed a comprehensive Mental Health Resilience Program, which included workshops and online seminars to help address employee concerns. Organizations that enrolled their employees in the program gave feedback on improved mental wellness and increased employee productivity.

Adapting to Individual Needs

Magellan Federal addresses demographic issues by collaborating with industry employers to understand the various demographics of their employees. We use employee data to help our clients give the proper guidance to their employees that supports the demographic makeup of their workforce. We also employ experts who are constantly researching the various problems faced by employees from diverse demographic groups, thus offering personalized care instead of generalized care.

Ensuring Accessibility and Engagement

In our experience, some employees are hesitant to take the first step to seek assistance from EAPs. Despite the availability of numerous EAPs, employees find it difficult to reach out for help due to fear of stigma and lack of awareness. Magellan Federal has extended its services from a traditional phone call or employer access to offering services through various digital platforms that do not need assistance and are confidential. We have multiple avenues to provide support, encouraging ease of access for those seeking help and personalized assistance. We also provide our clients with engagement guidance and materials to raise awareness with their employees of the existence of EAP services and the variety of support available.

Delivering a Successful EAP

Employee wellness should be thoroughly addressed to increase workplace productivity and give employees a good work experience. EAPs should analyze market trends like digital transformations, work/life integration, proactive mental approaches, and cultural diversity to address the issues of mental illnesses among employees. EAPs should also foster collaboration with organizations and employers to get insights on how they can handle the various problems of employees from different backgrounds.

I’m proud of Magellan’s commitment to continuous EAP innovation. We are always striving to improve our services so employers can successfully help employees deal with work/life issues. At the end of the day, the goal of an EAP is to empower workers with tools and resources to support their overall well-being, and if they become more productive and satisfied with their careers along the way, we’ve done our job well.

References:

• Baskar, K., Shinde, E. M. B., & Srinivasan, D. A. (2021). Promoting mental well-being through employee assistance programs. NHRD Network Journal, 14(1), 64-82. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2631454120979764
• Chellam, N., & Divya, D (2022). The effect of promoting mental health through employee assistance programs. Journal of Education, Society & Multiculturalism, 3(2), 48-60. https://sciendo.com/pdf/10.2478/jesm-2022-0017
• Gallup, Inc. (2021, December 3). Magellan Health and Gallup team up to measure and increase well-being. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/357767/magellan-health-gallup-team-measure-increase-wellbeing.aspx

About 1 in 36 children in the U.S. has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.[1] Getting an ASD diagnosis is a life-changing event for families that can trigger feelings of panic, fear and distress. You may be uncertain or confused about what to do next and how to navigate your new reality. Here are nine tips to help you and ensure your child lives their best life.

1. Do your homework—Learn everything you can about ASD and how it may affect your child throughout their life, including the laws and rights that you and your child have under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The knowledge you gain will help you be an effective advocate for your child.
2. Become a voice for your child—As a parent, you are your child’s first, strongest and lifelong advocate. No one knows your child better than you do. You are the best qualified person to shape your child’s situation in the most caring way and speak out when it comes to their well-being and ensuring that they have the supports they need to flourish.
3. Seek help—The autism community is full of parents and professionals willing to help others in their ASD journeys. Allowing others to help can lighten your load, help you become a better advocate and protector for your child, and make the sometimes difficult journey more enjoyable. Seek out support groups, teachers, therapists, social workers and others for help.
4. Give help when you can—If you can, helping other parents on their ASD journeys can help you to put things in perspective, feel more positive about your own circumstances and create a sense of belonging. Helping others has shown to lower levels of stress and anxiety, which improves overall well–being.
5. Express yourself—As human beings, we need connection. Sharing your feelings with someone you trust, such as your partner or spouse, parents and/or siblings, can be liberating and go a long way in deepening your relationships, and improving your physical and mental well-being, making you a better person, parent and family member.
6. Make self-care a priority—Spending most of your time caregiving can quickly lead to burnout. Proper hydration, a healthy diet and sufficient sleep can help you cope best with daily challenges. Finding time for activities that are fun and fulfilling, such as going to the gym, going for walks and meeting friends, can help you recharge and be the best parent you can be.
7. Find the right providers—While it is important that your child’s providers use evidence-based practices and keep abreast of treatment options, it is also important that they are culturally aware and respect your ideas and traditions. Each cultural group has its own customs, thoughts and taboos regarding physical and mental health care. Find a doctor who not only speaks your language, but is also sensitive to your cultural, religious and personal beliefs.
8. Foster healthy eating habits—Children with ASD often experience issues such as insomnia, eczema, constipation, diarrhea, behavioral outbursts and more. If your child has any of these issues, you might want to see if it is a reaction to foods that are not good for their system or if their intestines are out of balance. Healthy eating habits can make a big difference in the lives of children with ASD.
9. Nurture your child’s strengths—Children improve faster when they work on strengths. Focusing on your child’s strengths, not weaknesses, puts them on the path to their personal best, allows them to develop and excel in things they’re good at, and can greatly improve their self-esteem and well-being. It can also foster a better parent-child relationship.

Magellan Healthcare is committed to improving all lives affected by autism. Visit our Autism Acceptance website for:

• Free resources that increase awareness, celebrate differences and support inclusion.
• Online and tech-enabled resources to help children with autism navigate daily life and empower parents, families and caregivers to support them on their journeys.

Sources:

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

What is neurodiversity?

 Everyone’s brain is different and develops in its own way. Neurodiversity refers to diversity in the ways in which people experience the world, be it at school, at work or in social settings. Neurotypical individuals’ brain functions are considered “usual” or “expected by society.”

Understanding neurodivergence

Individuals naturally approach thinking in various ways. Neurodivergent individuals’ brains are unique and their behaviors or responses differ from what is expected socially, physically or verbally. Approximately 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent. Some of the most prevalent conditions among individuals who identify as neurodivergent are:

Myths and facts about neurodiversity

 Understanding neurodiversity and the specific challenges neurodivergent individuals face is crucial for creating inclusive and supportive environments. By educating ourselves, we can dismantle stereotypes and stigmas that inadvertently affect others.

Myth: Neurodiversity is the same as ASD.

Fact: Neurodiversity includes ASD, as well as other neurological conditions, such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, intellectual disabilities, Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD) and other mental health conditions.

Myth: All neurodiverse individuals are the same/similar.

 Fact: All individuals, whether neurotypical or neurodiverse, are unique in their learning and experiences. Recognizing the diversity within neurodiverse individuals is key to developing inclusive environments.

Myth: Neurodivergent individuals lack communication skills. 

Fact: Like neurotypical individuals, neurodivergent individuals have diverse communication styles. Many communicate effectively in their own unique ways. Tailoring communication strategies to diverse styles fosters inclusivity and supports personal growth.

Myth: Neurodivergent individuals choose not to engage in forming relationships.

Fact: Many neurodivergent individuals genuinely desire connections with others but often feel sadness or a sense of isolation when faced with difficulties in forming those connections. Nonetheless, they can have authentic, enduring relationships, particularly when others are accepting and mindful of their differences.

Myth: Neurodivergent individuals have little chance of succeeding in school, at work or in their communities.

Fact: With equitable opportunities and tools, neurodivergent individuals can be just as successful as others.

Famous neurodivergent personalities

 Many well-known individuals are neurodivergent and have made extraordinary contributions to our world.

• Benjamin Banneker—Self-taught African American mathematician, astronomer and inventor who was appointed by President George Washington to assist in the surveying and planning of Washington, DC
• Simone Biles—African-American gymnast who has won numerous Olympic and World Championship medals and is considered one of the greatest gymnasts of all time
• Tim Burton—American filmmaker, artist, writer and animator known for his unique and imaginative film style, including “Edward Scissorhands” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas”
• Lewis Carroll— English writer, mathematician and photographer who is best known for his literary works, particularly “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass”
• Bill Gates—Co-founder of Microsoft and a leading figure in the development of personal computing
• Thomas Jefferson—One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and third president of the United States
• Michaelangelo—Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect and poet who is renowned for masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the statue of David
• Nikola Tesla—A Serbian-American inventor who made significant contributions to the development of alternating current (AC) electrical systems and other inventions
• Emma Watson—English actor and model known for her role as Hermione Granger in the “Harry Potter” film series and being an advocate for women’s rights

Neurodiversity involves acknowledging and valuing the diverse ways our brains work. Neurodivergent individuals experience, interact with and interpret the world in distinctive ways. When we appreciate and celebrate neurodiversity, we cultivate inclusive communities that allow neurodivergent individuals to thrive.

 How can I learn more about neurodiversity and neurodivergence?

Find more information and helpful resources at MagellanHealthcare.com/Autism-Resources, including online and tech-enabled resources to help neurodivergent individuals navigate daily life and empower parents, families and caregivers to support children on their journeys.

Sources:

• Debunking Myths About Neurodiversity in the Workplace | by Stephanie Barnes | Medium
• Debunking The Neurodiversity Myths – eLearning Industry
• Famous Neurodiverse Individuals – CASS (casscounselling.co.uk)
• Successful People with Neurodivergent Disabilities – Student News (manchester.ac.uk)

As a Performance Expert (PE) working in Japan, my mission has been to enhance the performance and resilience of U.S. Army Soldiers, civilian employees, and family members by creating customized training based on needs and availability. Master Resilience Trainer-Performance Experts (MRT-PEs) work at Army Ready and Resilient (R2) Performance Centers to help soldiers understand and enhance the mental side of performance, maximize the benefits of training, and provide skills and techniques to develop strong teams.

When I arrived at Camp Zama, Japan, I sat down with several leaders in the community, including the Garrison Commander and several Brigade-level leaders. The leaders requested our help to bridge the communication and cultural gap between the U.S. forces and local and national employees. My experience provided me with a unique perspective I’d like to share on the strategies, struggles, and successes I used to foster mutual understanding and collaboration between U.S. Army personnel and Japanese local national employees. These tactics can be used in any personal or professional situation to help you communicate more effectively across diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Identify the Challenges

One of the initial hurdles I encountered was the stark contrast in communication styles between the U.S. Army Soldiers and Japanese civilians. The direct and assertive approach of American Soldiers clashed with the Japanese employees’ more reserved and harmonious communication style. These differences often led to misunderstandings, strained relationships, and hindered collaboration.

Additionally, cultural differences permeated every aspect of work, from decision-making processes to leadership styles. U.S. Soldiers were accustomed to hierarchical structures and authoritative decision making, while Japanese civilians valued consensus and a collective approach. Bridging this gap required a comprehensive understanding of both cultures and a nuanced approach to cognitive performance enhancement. Once I had identified the challenges, I was able to employ the following strategies to help me successfully communicate and collaborate across cultures.

Strategies for Success

Cultural Immersion: I immersed myself in the daily lives and traditions of both American Soldiers and Japanese civilians to develop a deep understanding of both cultures. This involved attending social gatherings, participating in cultural activities, and engaging in open conversations to grasp the intricacies of their perspectives.

Customized Training Programs: I recognized the need for tailored solutions and designed training programs that integrated cultural empathy and cross-cultural communication skills. These programs focused on enhancing emotional intelligence, active listening, and the ability to adapt communication styles to meet the expectations of diverse audiences.

Collaborative Workshops: I organized interactive workshops that brought together U.S. Army Soldiers and Japanese civilian employees to foster mutual understanding and collaboration. Participants gained valuable insights into one another’s perspectives and developed a shared sense of purpose through facilitated discussions, role-playing exercises, and team-building activities.

Mentorship and Coaching: I embedded myself in existing mentorship and coaching programs, such as a U.S. Army cooperative education (co-op) program that partners leaders with their Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) counterparts. I observed how JGSDF leaders learn from their U.S. counterparts and organized facilitated workshops to introduce the JGSDF co-op program participants to U.S. Army performance and resilience training.

Continuous Evaluation and Adaptation: I recognized that cultural empathy is an ongoing journey and consistently evaluated the effectiveness of our training programs and adapted them based on participant feedback. This iterative approach ensured that our services remained impactful and relevant.

Achieving Cultural Empathy

Meeting client demands for cultural empathy training required perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to delivering tangible results. As a Cognitive Performance Enhancement Specialist, it has been an enlightening experience bridging the cultural divide between U.S. Army Soldiers and Japanese civilian employees. We successfully fostered collaboration and mutual respect through understanding, empathy, and tailored training programs. We can pave the way for harmonious and effective working relationships that benefit both individuals and organizations by recognizing the importance of cultural empathy and continuously adapting our strategies.

Together, we can bridge divides and create a future of cultural understanding and cooperation. I hope this helps you do the same.

The appearance of the Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not apply or constitute DoD endorsement.

According to a recent Commonwealth Fund report, Americans pay more for brand-name drugs than residents of most other countries, including Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Canada and Switzerland. From January 2022 to January 2023, the prices of over 4,200 drug products rose, with nearly half exceeding the rate of inflation and an average price increase of $590 per drug product. The rising cost of prescription drug prices in the United States has created challenges for taxpayers, healthcare payers, employers and most importantly patients.

Nearly one in four Americans taking prescription medications say it’s difficult to afford them. The financial burden has led many to take cost-saving measures such as skipping or delaying filling a prescription, missing or reducing doses, or using someone else’s medication, drawing attention to the critical issue of medication adherence.

What is medication adherence?

Medication adherence is the act or extent of conforming to a provider recommendation/prescription based on timing, dosage and frequency of medication use.

 Why is medication adherence important?

Medication adherence is a primary determinant of treatment success and one of the most important things an individual can do for their health. Failing to follow prescribed medication regimens can have serious consequences for the nearly 67% of Americans who are non-adherent.

• Reduced effectiveness—Medications may not work as intended, leading to inadequate management of health conditions. Non-adherence can account for up to 50% of treatment failures.
• Worsening symptoms—Failure to adhere to prescribed treatments may result in the exacerbation of symptoms or disease progression. According to the CDC, nearly 50% of adults suffer from chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. Nearly half of these do not adhere to prescribed medication regimens. This failure to adhere is believed to contribute to a minimum of 100,000 preventable deaths and $100 billion in preventable medical costs annually.
• Complications and side effects—Skipping doses or not following medication instructions may contribute to adverse effects or complications. Appropriate medication treatment has the potential to prevent approximately 89,000 premature deaths annually among hypertensive patients.
• Lack of productivity—For chronic conditions, non-adherence may result in a decline in productivity due to increased sick days or disability. If a group of 1,000 employees with diabetes collectively improves their treatment adherence by 10 percent, it could reduce short-term disability and lost work time up to 441 workdays, resulting in potential employer savings of around $94,000.
• Decreased quality of life—Non-adherence may diminish overall wellbeing and hinder individuals’ ability to maintain a satisfactory quality of life. The risk of death due to medication non-adherence is approximately ten times higher than the risk of homicide, escalating to around 30 times for individuals over 50. Morbidity and mortality associated with poor medication adherence costs $528.4 billion annually.
• Risk of hospitalization—Lack of adherence increases the likelihood of severe health events, potentially requiring hospitalization. Twenty percent of Medicare patients are readmitted to the hospital within 30 days. Fifty percent of these are considered non-adherent. Non-adherence can be attributed to up to 25% of hospitalizations in the United States annually.
• Impact on public health—Non-adherence is recognized as a significant public health issue. It leads to poor health outcomes and increased healthcare costs, and can have broad implications for public health, especially when it comes to the management of chronic conditions. As many as 59% of individuals with mental illness inconsistently or do no take their medication. This behavior contributes to broader societal problems, including increased rates of suicide, and increased rates of unemployment and homelessness.
• Increased healthcare costs—Non-adherence can lead to more frequent doctor visits, hospitalizations, and additional medical expenses. Addressing medication adherence has the potential to reduce annual healthcare costs by $100 to $300 billion.

Research has repeatedly found that the primary factor impacting medication adherence is cost. In light of this challenge, innovative programs like Magellan Healthcare’s inforMED Pharmacy Program offer a promising solution by ensuring behavioral health and other medications are prescribed and managed effectively. Visit here to learn more about inforMED and how it reduces pharmacy spend with a 2:1 ROI and gaps in care by up to 40%.

Sources:

• 15 Frightening Stats on Medication Adherence (Plus Infographic) (pillsy.com)
• Changes in the List Prices of Prescription Drugs, 2017-2023 | ASPE (hhs.gov)
• Medication Adherence: The Elephant in the Room (uspharmacist.com)
• Medication Adherence and Compliance: Recipe for Improving Patient Outcomes – PMC (nih.gov)
• Medication Adherence Measures: An Overview – PMC (nih.gov)
• International Price Comparison of Drugs Medicare Is Negotiating (commonwealthfund.org)
• Products – Data Briefs – Number 470 – June 2023 (cdc.gov)
• The Unmet Challenge of Medication Nonadherence – PMC (nih.gov)
• The Workplace Costs of Not Taking Your Medication | The Pursuit | University of Michigan School of Public Health | Chronic Disease | Statistics | Health Informatics | Pharmaceuticals (umich.edu)

The National Football League’s 58^th Annual Super Bowl ended with a winning team and fans who might be recovering from a tough season. Whether you’re an athlete or a fan watching sporting events in person or at home, the competitive nature of sports can be both exhilarating and heart-wrenching. However, what happens when the passion felt for the game triggers emotions such as sadness or depression? In this interview with Magellan Federal’s Performance Coaching Manager Meg Helf, M.S., CMPC®, we explore the concept known as “sports fan depression.”

What is Sports Fan Depression and is it a real diagnosis?

Meg Helf: Although Sports Fan Depression is not an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), many of us are all too familiar with the emotional rollercoaster that comes along with being a fan. Reactions to any number of life events can linger and develop into diagnosable depression, prolonged grief disorder, or an adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Just as we experience grief with the loss of a relationship or a loved one, a job or an opportunity, we may experience grief at the end of a season or when our favorite team comes up short.

For sports fans, acute grief is that initial intense feeling after a loss takes place. This may manifest in a range of complex feelings such as sadness, anger, frustration, and disappointment, which often isn’t discussed in the context of sport. When this grief is experienced for extended periods of time and starts to impact our daily functioning (e.g., work, eating habits, sleep, relationships), we might be experiencing what many call Sports Fan Depression.

What is it about sports that can trigger this feeling?

Helf: There are several reasons that sports can trigger these feelings. Fans make emotional, psychological, physical, and sometimes financial investments in their teams. There are a plethora of ways that sports can impact our wellbeing: sports can be integral to one’s identity, sports can drive our daily activities, and, sports have the ability to create communities and develop relationships.

The more someone identifies with their team the stronger they may feel loss about the outcome of the game or result of the season. These events can feel like a blow to our personal identity when we have a sense of pride and belonging. Despite superstitions and lucky shirts, socks, and routines, fans have a lack of influence and impact on the outcome of the game. This may set many up with unrealistic expectations and add a sense of helplessness. A player on the field has the ability to distinguish what went well, identify what they and the team need to develop, and maintain a future focused growth mindset regardless of the outcome. With less control, it is understandable that fans struggle with optimism because they cannot take any action to make the desired change.

For some, being a fan is a part-time (or full-time!) job. Between watching games, competing in fantasy leagues, and researching statistics, our daily lives are filled with something that we are passionate about. Similarly to how some marathon runners experience the “post-race blues,” when a season is over, we may feel a loss for all the time we invested and feel like a large part of our daily excitement and activities are missing. As the season comes to a close, that taste of the adrenaline, tension, energy and anticipation of each game fades and may leave us wanting.

Fans also rarely go it alone. Our favorite team has the ability to connect people, both friends and strangers alike. Fans connect across time zones for draft parties and engage in banter through fantasy leagues, spend hours tailgating before a game, and gather for watch parties. Families strengthen bonds, adorning newborns in gear and creating traditions. Strangers high-five. They hug. They share food, drinks and handwarmers. Even opposing fans engage in playful banter and share stories. Entire cities come together to support their team. We win together. We lose together. And when the season is over, we are losing these opportunities for such a meaningful part of life – connection to others.

How can someone identify if they suffer from this condition?

Helf: A couple of symptoms experienced with depression are diminished interest or pleasure in activities, depressed mood, significant unintentional weight gain or loss, insomnia or sleeping too much, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness. Prolonged grief symptoms are intense emotional pain, loss of identity, difficulty moving on with life, emotional numbness, feeling that life is meaningless, and intense loneliness.

Individuals should build self-awareness about the intensity and duration of their symptoms, and the impact they have on their daily lives. Tap into your thoughts. Are they pervasive? Is the loss of the game bleeding over to other areas of your life? Be purposeful with your next steps and be on the alert for destructive or non-productive patterns that may not help you (e.g., alcohol, adrenaline/thrill seeking, substance abuse, risk-taking).

What are steps someone should take if they believe they have Sports Fan Depression?

Helf:

• Make some intentional time to mourn the loss and build self-awareness of when intrusive thoughts creep in so you can shift to more productive, optimistic style thinking.
• Expand your identity – who are you outside of being a loyal, avid fan?
• Develop and maintain healthy habits – make time to move your body, prioritize healthy eating, hydration, and sleep. These habits are always crucial, but especially helpful for individuals who are struggling.
• Cultivate connections with others – reconnect with your fellow fans in a different context and develop new communities. Diversify your portfolio on interests and discover activities that generate positive emotions and engagement.
• Unplug from your fandom. Clear your head and provide an opportunity to get a little emotional distance from the season. Taking time for yourself will sow benefits for you and those around you. If the post-season funk stays around for longer than 2-4 weeks, find a professional to talk to or take a depression screen.

It’s important to understand that it is perfectly natural to have emotional highs and lows when you are so connected and invested with a specific sports team. Just because you experience some grief, sadness, or disappointment does not mean you have depression. It is typical to have reactions when any season changes and normal to reset your compass.

Perhaps consider why you watch sports in the first place. Is it the appreciation of athletic prowess? The comradery and connection with others? Pride in your town? Understanding what is most important to you can help you squeeze every ounce of enjoyment and excitement out of the game, while arming you with strategies to cultivate your wellbeing.

For more information on depression screenings and tips on wellness, please check out: The Journey to Wellness: Do I need a Depression Screening?

And remember…there is always next season!

Resources

Online screens and helplines: 

• Anxiety & Depression Association of America: (1)
• The Reach Institute (2)
• Mental Health America (16)
• Veteran’s Administration (17)
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
• NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264

This article was co-written by David Michael 

Imagine yourself arriving at an airport, getting your ticket, checking your bags, and then heading to security. What if you arrived at the security checkpoint and there was no one there? No screening, no questions or checking your tickets… On the one hand, you might be relieved, and on the other hand, you might be more concerned about your flight! Safety screening has become a regular part of our lives. The screening is brief, systematic, and designed to maintain safety for airline passengers. But what if it was optional?

The Importance of Depression Screenings

There are many optional health screenings that we know to be beneficial and yet we still try to avoid them … everything from annual exams to the blood pressure cuff machine in the pharmacy. Screenings seem to have gotten a “bad rap.” A health screen is designed to be a preliminary tool for providing information at pivotal points when interventions may be crucial.

Learning that depression is more unpredictable and widespread than once thought can produce mixed emotions that reflect on how one conceptualizes depression and its many levels and possible stigma. Depression affects everyone differently; it might surface in the life of someone who has been diagnosed or it may emerge in someone who looks like they have it all together. It is known that most people will face depressed feelings at some point in their life. Life circumstance is bound to “throw a curve ball” and offer the personal support system an opportunity to employ coping skills and reflexive responses to tough situations.

Why get screened for depression?

Here are some ‘Depression Flags’ or Indicators that combined, provide a “road map” recommendation towards further care: (2) (3)

• You have been through a series of tough events or situations and cannot seem to get back to feeling normal again.
• You cannot remember the last time that you felt happy.
• You are irritable and feel down a lot.
• Intrusive negative thinking.
• Change in appetite.
• Change in sleep patterns.
• Change in energy level or motivation.
• Lowered ability to concentrate.
• Change in daily behavior or moods.
• Increased irritability, feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
• Lowered self-esteem.
• Thoughts about suicide or a desire to have life over with.
• Social withdrawal or isolation.
• Refusals by a child for normal activities such as social gatherings, foods, school attendance.
• For Children: A regression in skills already gained and increased need for reassurances.
• For Teens getting into trouble, concerning behavior changes, or self-harm.
• For Men: irritability, tiredness, anger
• For Women: sadness, worthlessness, guilt.

How to Get a Depression Screening

• Most medical providers or pediatricians will offer a basic depression screen when needed or requested during an office visit.
• Local mental health professionals offer screenings with an office appointment or intake process and can follow up with therapeutic interventions as needed.
• Online screens and helplines:
• Anxiety & Depression Association of America: (1)
• The Reach Institute (2)
• Mental Health America (16)
• Veteran’s Administration (17)
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
• NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264

Tips for Your Wellness Journey

Assemble a Care Team:

• Bring the Guide: A medical professional can provide a depression screening and can also screen for another underlying medical condition exhibiting symptoms of depression, as well as a discussion of the possibility of vitamins and supplement use to balance any deficiencies. A wellness coach, naturopath, chiropractor, or other medical professional can also be consulted. A good first step for support would be to check with the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided through your employer for available mental health services.
• Phone a Friend: Talk to a mental health provider, Chaplain, or someone you trust about your inner thoughts and feelings who will offer loving encouragement. Looking for ways to reduce isolation and increase connectedness can be an important step toward wellness.

Bounce Toward Wellness: (13)

• Discover Yourself: Journal your thoughts and feelings to help you get to the bottom of what is bothering you. You may want to discuss this with a trusted professional as old losses or traumas can accumulate and catch up to the one who feels they are well within the rear-view mirror. This can feel overwhelming or like having a lingering ‘emotional cold’ draining your resources.
• Eat Smart: Consuming quality protein and fruits and veggies improves the gut and brain’s ability to provide the neurochemicals needed for feelings of wellness. Junk food and low-nutrient foods increase feelings of depression or low mood in most people. While fast food seems easy, it is the rougher road in the long run. Hydration and taking deep breaths can help your brain have what it needs to perform and calm.
• Pump the Breaks: A daily and weekly break from stress through recreation, creativity, reading, athletics, or other restorative activities can help the body regenerate. Too much stress can produce other physical maladies and drain your emotional and physical batteries. Limiting your schedule can help you regain balance during a stressful time.
• Power Down and Reboot: To drain the body is to drain the mind. Sleep, exercise, and movement increases self-esteem and the immune system almost immediately; the lack of which can produce other urgent issues. While joining a gym might be ideal, even a minimal hour of ping-pong a week or a 10 minute walk a day can have a positive effect on mood and body. Depressed feelings often follow a weary body.
• Screen the Screens: Limit use of devices and time on social media as these influences can contribute to isolation and low self-esteem through comparison, especially at night. Melatonin, which is needed to help one sleep, is depleted with blue light used in devices and the light used can trick the brain into thinking it is time to be awake. Limiting parental screentime and finding ways for family connection through games, conversation, or activities can help kids feel less isolated and more connected providing some protection from depressed moods for all.
• Avoid the Mud: Negative thoughts get one stuck in a negative mind frame. Positive self-talk and optimistic thinking can go a long way to help reduce depressed feelings as evidence of the corresponding relationship between negative thinking and depression. Though it might feel difficult, finding something good in a situation can break up the mire to help one move in the right direction toward wellness. Follow the rule of thumb of thinking and speaking kind thoughts and words to oneself just like a good friend would do. Finding positive and meaningful ways to celebrate wins, whether big or little, can add fuel to the journey.
• Embrace Your Natural State (15): Stimulants and depressants, and other mood-altering substances (even immoderate use of alcohol, sugar, and caffeine) can be addictive, impact the gut, and worsen feelings of unwellness. Alcohol can worsen depressed feelings and interfere with sleep as it turns to sugar in the bloodstream.
• Pack the Jams: Positive or upbeat music and media can go a long way to lighten the mood and lighten thoughts; conversely sad or negative music or media should be used with caution.
• Believe: Research points to many benefits of praying and the belief that there is a purpose to life, a Higher Power and that one is loved. A return to one’s faith and values can help that purpose and meaning to be rediscovered. (13)

Benefits of a Depression Screening

Ultimately, a depression screening is not mandatory like airport security. It is brief, systematized and can be a good measure of your current state so that you can make the best decision for your wellness. At a minimum, it is designed to give you a ‘snapshot’ of your current resources and your ability to find balance. It can offer some perspective for what might be needed to manage feelings and what kind of support would be best suited to help.

The late Jimmy Buffet’s last song, “Bubbles Up” (12) written during a time of great challenge, reminds the one who is under water to follow the air bubbles as they float to the surface to help re-orient oneself and find the exit where life, air, and light reside. It is a metaphor for life when facing a challenge as negative thoughts are intimately tied to negative feelings and increase feelings of overwhelm. Focusing on the positive can be a necessary lifeline for one who feels life is dark and confusing.

A valley of depressed feelings is not the destination. Regardless of which road brought you or a loved one to it, life does not have to be lived there. With some help and support, one may find themselves on a journey to self-discovery, healing, and hope.

References and Resources:

Depression Screens:

1. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzoWE2f3PgQMVEYvCCB2aEACeEAAYASAAEgJUKfD_BwE
2. https://thereachinstitute.org/reach-and-adaa-anxiety-in-children-and-teens/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzoWE2f3PgQMVEYvCCB2aEACeEAAYAiAAEgJwYfD_BwE
3. https://www.mhanational.org/national-depression-screening-day
4. https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/ask-and-learn/screenings/screening-depression
5. https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/depression-screening

Other References and Resources

6. https://adaa.org/
7. https://thereachinstitute.org/
8. https://mhanational.org/
9. https://mentalhealth.va.gov
10. https://www.samhsa.gov
11. https://www.nami.org
12. https://youtu.be/6j3jDTOG7yI?si=eJQ4Qa5YHlLBcVI_
13. https://www.amenclinics.com/
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9713100/
15. “The Godfather | Plot, Cast, Oscars, & Facts | Britannica”. www.britannica.com. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
16. Mental Health America. https://mhanational.org/
17. Veteran’s Administration https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/

February 1^st is known around the world as Time to Talk Day. This is a national day that encourages individuals to have an open dialogue about their mental health and to be supportive of others.

In this DocTalk article, Magellan Healthcare’s Medical Director Dr. Chris Squillaro shares why the act of talking about mental health is so important, the common misconceptions about mental health, and advice on how to approach the conversation for all age groups.

Q: In your opinion, why is it important to talk openly about mental health?

Dr. Chris Squillaro: Open conversation is important to communicate our feelings and emotions.  Without the ability to share the things that we are feeling inside, they can become confusing, which can feel out-of-control and lead to worsening emotions and possibly behavior.  Conversing about mental health also normalizes the subject matter.  The more frequently mental health is openly discussed the more accustomed we become to discuss it within our relationships and as a society.  Lastly, talking about it helps us to realize that we are not alone.  Since mental health and substance use is so prevalent in our culture, every one of us likely has a connection to someone struggling with one or the other.

Conversely, not openly discussing mental health has no benefit.  History has already shown that this only leads to stigma and worsens the potential problems associated with unaddressed mental health conditions.  If we’re not openly discussing it, we’re also not openly seeking solutions when needed.

Q: In 2024, what do you think is the biggest misconception about mental health?

Dr. Squillaro: That mental health issues are resolving as fast as our concerns about COVID.  Even though we are moving away from the day-to-day threat of COVID to us and our loved ones, mental health and the mental health system are far from recovered.  We are seeing consequences both in terms of children and adolescents who lost social connection at critical junctures in their development and are struggling to catch up from the delay.  This not only impacts them but also their family unit and their community.  The increase in alcohol and drug use that occurred during the height of the pandemic was not resolved.  Many of the people who developed addictions are just now starting to seek help and there are many who have not realized that there is a problem.

At the same time there is a greater need as the delivery of mental health services shifted.  Services moved from primarily face-to-face to virtual.  With this came a shift in the workforce.  Many mental health workers sought virtual positions and left critical services that required face-to-face interaction.  This left vacancies that have not been filled.  Every service in every level of care is experiencing staffing shortages.  The misconception is that as society normalizes, the mental health system has normalized and can accommodate the demand.  However, we are not seeing that same level of normalization at a time when it is needed.

Q: How do you think we can create a more supportive and understanding community when it comes to mental health?

Dr. Squillaro: It starts in the home.  Each generation has gotten better at this.  The best way to influence change is to teach our young.  More knowledgeable and understanding parents teach their children acceptance.  These children then begin to make a difference as they interact in the community and in school.  As the members of the generation mature, they create a more compassionate and embracing community.  When children grow up with these concepts that are taught and modeled in the home, their thinking and behavior is more solidified and less likely to be influenced by many of the external influences that continue to be intolerant.  I doubt anyone feels that society will eliminate extreme points of view that preach intolerance.  But the hope is that these extremes get smaller with the majority being a community that is accepting and supportive.

Q: What role can friends, family, or colleagues play in supporting mental well-being, and how can they contribute positively to someone who may have mental health struggles?

Dr. Squillaro: In terms of having tougher conversations and feeling safe to communicate about mental health and mental health struggles, family and friends are critical. They contribute to each other’s lives by caring and having the best of intentions, even when saying things that aren’t always easy to hear or when someone isn’t necessarily ready for help.  Many times, family and friends will be the first to identify when something is wrong and should be the first to speak up.  The most positive thing you can do for someone is to let them know what you’re seeing and that you are a person they can come to for help.  They may not be ready in that moment and they may need additional encouragement, but being there is the hardest and best thing to do.

On the other end, as things begin to improve, they will also likely see it first.  They can encourage and provide that perspective to continue instilling hope.  They can walk the recovery journey with their loved ones and make the connection even stronger.

Q: What advice would you give to someone hesitant to talk about their mental health issues?

Dr. Squillaro: An analogy I use to make this point is that emotions are like water.  Eventually, there is nothing that can hold it back and when it breaks through, it is one of the most transformative and potentially destructive forces on the planet.  Hesitating to talk about mental health doesn’t mean it’s not there.  We’re only able to hold it back for so long before the pressure becomes so great that we no longer control how it comes out and what it destroys.  Talking about mental health is like choosing to release the pressure and having a more constructive say as to how those emotions come out.

Q: Can you share 3-4 ways to begin an open dialogue with someone about your need for support?

• Identify the issue – you don’t need to know exactly what is wrong, only that your emotions are affecting your functioning.
• Identify someone who has historically made you feel safe.
• Take a risk – anxiety is about feeling conflicted. Choosing to move forward despite that feeling is how you begin to change take control of it.
• Gather information – after you’ve taken one risk, a second, third or more becomes easier. In that process, collect what people tell you and find your own path forward.

Q: Are there unique ways to approach a discussion about mental health with an adult versus a child (under 18) or a young adult?

Dr. Squillaro: Pay attention to the language you use.  Whether it’s a child, adolescent, or an adult, they must be able to understand what you’re saying.  Logically, children will need more simple language and concepts.  It’s okay with adolescents to take a more informal approach to how you communicate.  You’re trying to connect with someone who is at a stage where they may not want to rely on authority figures or feel that they know better.  Adults can have a wide range of capabilities.  Trying to match the language they use will put it in terms they can understand.

Be aware of their developmental stage.  Each age group is at a different stage of brain development.  Children will need to be told the answer and will need help developing the solutions.  They are much more open to direction from authority figures.  Adolescents are more impulsive and tend to believe they can easily overcome the issues.  They may also be more comfortable receiving recommendations from peers, so look to engage people within their age group to help reach them.  Adults have more lived experience, and their decision-making is more progressed.  Predicting the consequences in areas of importance to them helps to prepare them engage in help.  No matter what age group, sometimes people need time to process information.

As a person trying to support someone with a mental health issue, patience and consistent messaging are key.  Very few people react immediately.  Continue to support them through their process and reinforce a message of help and hope that will eventually be heard when they are ready.

Q: What tools or resources would you recommend on this topic?

Dr. Squillaro: This may sound simplistic, but doing an online search can bring you to both national organizations and local resources that may be of benefit.  It offers choices about which sites, information, or resources speak to you.  Specifically, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a resource on this: How to Talk About Mental Health | SAMHSA.  Another great organization to seek support is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Resources | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness.  NAMI also has local chapters and can provide support to families as well.

Your insurance provider will also have resources available on their website and may be able to aid in facilitating referrals or tools to help you understand what you’re feeling or start a conversation with someone who needs help.  Along the same lines, the county you live in has mental health resources and is well-versed in the network of providers who can provide the services needed.

Resources

How to Talk About Mental Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness