Good nutrition has a major impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Certain foods and nutrients help your brain make chemicals that can improve your mood, attention and focus, while less healthy foods sap your energy.

• Foods that provide a quick energy boost but can leave you with low energy and mood later on include flour-based items such as breads, crackers and baked goods, plus sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks.
• A meal that effectively fuels your mood is one that combines complex carbohydrates with lean proteins and colorful produce. For example, complex carbohydrates from whole foods (like sweet potatoes, rolled oats, beans and quinoa) can boost the feel-good chemical serotonin in your brain.
• Protein consumption (from foods like fish, beef, chicken, turkey, tofu, beans, eggs and unsweetened yogurt) has been linked to higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine—brain chemicals that impact your mood, motivation and concentration.
• Fruits and vegetables are high in nourishing vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and have also been shown to boost happiness.

Working on wellbeing: Working on emotional wellbeing

• Being emotionally well is key to your overall wellbeing. People with high emotional wellbeing know and apply their natural strengths, are resilient when faced with challenges, and regularly utilize positive self-talk.
• Support your emotional health by learning things outside of your comfort zone, connecting supportively with others, being physically active, offering forgiveness, embracing your successes and being kind to yourself and others.

Spotlight Magellan gives colleagues and those we collaborate with the opportunity to get to know Magellan employees beyond the surface through facilitated interviews that explore their personal interests, experiences, and aspirations. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan fosters a sense of community and connection, strengthening relationships and creating a more enriching shared experience.

This month, we’re getting to know Stacy Stoner, supervisor, corporate travel program. Stacy has been with Magellan for over 23 years!

Continue reading to learn more about Stacy:

Describe a typical workday in your life. 

There isn’t a typical day in managing travel. Every day is managing a new challenge such as weather, hotel issues, flight cancellations or all four tires being stolen from a rental car (true story). I work with CWT and our travelers to ensure policies are followed. Reports are sent to the executive leadership team showing travel spends and trends. In addition, I manage the gift card program and oversee the corporate card program for Magellan.

What are you currently reading?

I’m an avid reader and usually have 20 books on my TBR (to be read) and hold list for my kindle at any given time. Two of my favorite books are The Nightingale and The Glass Castle.

What’s your favorite way to use your PTO? 

I love to spend time with my granddaughter, Madeline, and my grandsons, Sawyer & Graham, in Arizona.

What is the farthest place you’ve traveled (or would like to travel to one day)? 

I previously worked as a flight attendant and both my parents also worked for airlines, so I’ve traveled to a lot of fun places. The top of my bucket list currently is Banff, Canada.

Do you have any pets? Tell us about what quirky personality traits your animals have! 

I have a cat, Khaki, that I adopted in 2020. He loves to sit on my laptop and attend Zoom calls with me!

In today’s interconnected world, the boundaries between work and home life have never been more blurred. As employers strive to create supportive workplaces, one crucial reality is clear: when an employee’s child struggles with mental health challenges, the entire family—and workplace—feels the impact.

The Teen Mental Health Crisis Affecting Your Workplace

The statistics tell a compelling story about why employers can no longer afford to overlook teen mental health:

• More than 50% of working parents report needing additional support from their employers to manage their children’s wellbeing¹.
• Over half of working parents have missed work specifically to address their child’s mental health needs².
• Spending on mental health services for teenagers has surged by 55% from 2013 to 2020³.

These numbers represent real workplace challenges: decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, higher healthcare costs and employees who are present physically but distracted mentally by concerns about their children.

The Ripple Effect on Your Organization

When employees are worried about their teens, the consequences extend throughout your organization:

• Reduced focus and productivity as parents attempt to manage their children’s mental health crises during work hours⁴.
• Increased healthcare utilization as families seek increasingly scarce mental health resources⁵.
• Higher turnover risk as employees seek employers who understand and support their family needs⁶.
• Diminished workplace wellbeing as the stress of parenting distressed teens follows employees to work.

In today’s competitive talent landscape, supporting the whole family isn’t just compassionate it’s a strategic business advantage.

Introducing Magellan’s Collaboration with BeMe: A Revolutionary Approach

Recognizing this critical need, Magellan Healthcare has teamed up with BeMe to offer a groundbreaking solution designed specifically for teens and young adults ages 13-22. This innovative mobile platform meets young people exactly where they are–on their phones–providing accessible mental health support that actually resonates with this digitally native generation.

The BeMe app takes a proactive, science-backed approach to teen mental wellbeing by:

• Building resilience and self-understanding through age-appropriate tools and resources.
• Creating a secure, supportive digital environment where teens can freely express and explore their emotions.
• Empowering young people to take an active role in their mental health journey.

What Makes BeMe Different from Other Mental Health Solutions

BeMe stands apart through its comprehensive, evidence-based approach that includes:

• Personalized content and activities.
• Over 40,000 engaging resources.
• Live one-on-one coaching.
• Seamless integration with Magellan’s Employee Assistance Program for virtual counseling sessions.
• 24/7 crisis support resources for immediate assistance.

Becoming an Employer of Choice

In a competitive talent market, family-supportive benefits are increasingly becoming a differentiator. By offering BeMe, your organization:

• Demonstrates genuine commitment to employee wellbeing that extends beyond the workplace.
• Addresses a critical need that many working parents are struggling to manage alone.
• Positions your company as forward-thinking and responsive to real-life employee challenges.
• Creates a supportive culture that recognizes employees as whole people with family responsibilities.

The Bottom Line

The mental health crisis among teens isn’t just a family issue, it’s a workplace issue that directly impacts your organization’s performance, healthcare costs and employee retention. By partnering with Magellan and BeMe, employers can offer a turnkey solution that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of employees while simultaneously strengthening organizational outcomes.

Ready to explore how Magellan Healthcare’s Employer Solutions can transform your benefits offering and support your employees’ families? Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/Employers.

References:

1. Magellan Healthcare and Workplace Options Working Parent Research Study, 2022
2. American Psychological Association, Stress in America 2023 Survey
3. Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI), “Health Care Spending on Children and Young Adults,” 2022 Report
4. Harvard Business Review, “The Impact of Employee Wellbeing on Productivity,” 2023
5. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, “Parental Stress and Workplace Outcomes,” 2022
6. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), “Family-Friendly Benefits and Retention,” 2023 Survey

Self-care and nourishment aren’t just about healthy habits—they’re about restoration, resilience and reclaiming wellbeing in a world that often makes these things harder to access.

Life is busy and full of daily stressors, making it even more important to pause and take care of ourselves. One social determinant of health is social connectedness. Some individuals find comfort and connectedness in their cultural roots, which can be a powerful source of strength.

Research shows that for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), communities experience higher rates of diet-related illnesses like diabetes, obesity and heart disease—conditions that can increase chronic stress and affect mental health.

Practicing self-care and making intentional nutrition choices can lower stress, uplift your spirit and strengthen your mental wellbeing. Consider these tips.          

1. Breathe and be still: Incorporate deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation practices into your daily routine—even just a few minutes a day can help. Practices like belly breathing, grounding meditations or guided visualizations are essential to self-care. Traditions rooted in Indigenous, African, Asian or Latin American traditions can promote calm and clarity while honoring cultural healing practices.
2. Move with joy: Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be beneficial. If you feel connected to your culture through music, this is a great opportunity to add movement to it. Make it a habit—movement can be medicine.
3. Seek affirming support: Mental health care should be culturally responsive and affirming. Look for providers or peer support spaces that recognize the impact of systemic inequities and understand your cultural background. Whether through therapy, coaching or community healing activities, the right support can help you feel seen, safe and empowered.
4. Explore nutrient-rich foods: Nourish your body with foods that honor your cultural heritage like collard greens, bok choy, amaranth, seaweed, yuca, squash or any foods that are traditional in your culture. Most traditional diets are rich in vitamins and minerals that support cognitive function, emotional balance and sustained energy.
5. Honor culinary traditions: Preparing familiar foods from your culture can bring back special memories, honor your roots and create a sense of comfort and connection. You can use ingredients such as herbs and spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, cilantro or cumin—many have natural anti-inflammatory and mood-supporting properties. Preparing meals with loved ones can also foster connection and joy.

When we honor our roots through self-care and nourishment, we restore balance and build resilience.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/BIPOC-MH for more information and helpful resources.

SOURCES:

• SD Food Vision 2030
• Harvard Health

Every employer wants their workforce to be fully engaged and productive. Yet a growing challenge undermines this goal: presenteeism, where employees are physically present but mentally distracted by personal responsibilities that drain their focus and energy.

The numbers reveal the scope of this challenge. Research from Harvard Business Review shows employees spend 41% of their time on discretionary activities that add little value and could be delegated to others. Meanwhile, the juggling act of modern life—coordinating childcare, managing elderly parent care, and handling household responsibilities while working from home—creates a perfect storm of workplace distraction.

The impact on working family caregivers is particularly striking. More than 23% report either missing work or struggling with reduced performance due to caregiving responsibilities. For those affected, caregiving can reduce work productivity by approximately one-third, translating to an estimated $5,600 per employee when annualized across all employed caregivers. This productivity loss primarily stems from the stress and fatigue that employees bring into their workday.

A Strategic Solution Emerges

Forward-thinking employers are addressing this challenge head-on with practical support systems. Magellan Healthcare’s EAP with Care Membership offers employees unlimited access to the world’s largest network of service providers, streamlining the process of finding and booking both short-term and long-term care for their loved ones.

This employer-paid benefit eliminates the hours employees typically spend searching for reliable caregiving support and household assistance. Instead of scrolling through endless online listings or making countless phone calls during work hours, employees can quickly access vetted professionals through a comprehensive platform.

The Care Membership service spans a full spectrum of family needs, including childcare providers, senior and disability caregivers, respite care, babysitters, housekeepers, errand services, tutors, and pet care professionals—all accessible via a website and mobile app.

Streamlined Process, Verified Results

The platform prioritizes both convenience and safety. Employees can search for qualified providers by location and filter results based on hourly rates, availability, experience levels, and specific qualifications. Every caregiver undergoes background screening before joining the platform, with additional background checks and safety resources available for employees who want extra assurance. There are referral specialists to help employees find the best candidates for their specific needs. Once employees find the right provider, they can easily arrange services and payment through the platform.

The Business Case for Care Support

The Care Membership program demonstrates an employer’s genuine commitment to work-life balance, moving beyond surface-level benefits to address real challenges employees face daily.

With this support system in place, stress-related absenteeism decreases when employees know their family responsibilities are professionally managed. Presenteeism diminishes as mental bandwidth previously consumed by caregiving coordination becomes available for work tasks.

Employee retention improves when workers feel truly supported in managing their complex lives.

When employees trust that their loved ones are in capable hands, they can fully invest their mental energy in their professional responsibilities. This creates a positive cycle where reduced stress leads to improved performance, reinforcing the value of the support system.

Investing in Care Membership represents more than just an employee benefit—it is a strategic decision that strengthens the entire workforce’s capacity to perform at its best. In today’s competitive talent market, this kind of meaningful support can differentiate employers who genuinely understand the realities of modern working life.

Learn more about Care Membership through Magellan’s EAP here.

Source:

• Fakeye, Samuel, Drabo, Bandeen-Roche and Wolff. (2022). “Caregiving-Related Work Productivity Loss among Employed Family and other Unpaid Caregivers of Older Adults.”

On May 29, 2025, Dr. Nicoletta Tessler, CEO of BeMe Health, led a powerful and engaging 15-minute webinar titled Practice Healthy Social Media Use. Whether you joined us live or are just catching up now, this recap highlights the key takeaways from her thoughtful and timely discussion.

When Is It “Too Much”?

We all know that technology and social media are deeply ingrained in our daily lives. But how do we know when it becomes too much? According to Dr. Tessler, the tipping point is personal, but a useful indicator is when social media starts to interfere with your quality of life, relationships or mental health. She walked us through several signs that it may be time to reassess your usage:

• Diminished Presence: Difficulty staying focused on conversations or activities without checking your phone.
• Mental Health Impact: Increases in anxiety, depression, loneliness or low self-worth triggered by online comparisons or seeking validation.
• Sleep Disruption: Nighttime device use affecting sleep quality and next-day energy.
• Productivity Loss: More time spent consuming content than creating or doing meaningful work.
• Relationship Strain: Loved ones feeling neglected or disconnected because of your screen time.
• Impulse Use: Reaching for your phone out of habit rather than intent.
• Physical Symptoms: Eye strain, poor posture and other device-related discomfort.

If these sound familiar, ask yourself: Is this enhancing or diminishing the life I want to lead? If it’s the latter, it may be time to set some healthier boundaries.

Emotional and Mental Health Impacts

Dr. Tessler emphasized the profound emotional and mental effects of excessive social media use:

• Anxiety and Stress: Constant notifications increase stress and feed the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO).
• Depression: Exposure to idealized, filtered lives can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
• Loneliness: Virtual overuse often replaces meaningful real-world connection, ironically increasing isolation.
• Low Self-Esteem: Social comparison and the pursuit of online validation can erode internal confidence.
• Cognitive Fatigue: Frequent multitasking and content switching train our brains for distraction, reducing focus and deep thinking.
• Sleep Issues: Late-night screen time disrupts circadian rhythms and melatonin production.
• Emotional Dysregulation: Overexposure to intense content can heighten emotional reactivity or dull it.
• Addictive Patterns: Social media use activates dopamine-driven reward cycles, creating compulsive habits.

So, What Can We Do?

Dr. Tessler offered a multi-part framework for building a healthier relationship with technology.

Set Clear, Intentional Boundaries

• Establish time limits on social media use.
• Create device-free zones, especially in the bedroom.
• Set a tech curfew, and honor it, even on weekends.

• Before picking up your phone, ask yourself: Why am I doing this?
• Avoid grazing on content throughout the day. Schedule your social media time.

• Share your boundaries with others to normalize healthy tech use.
• Be a role model, not just for others, but for yourself.

Make Time for Real Connection

• Schedule regular in-person time with friends and family.
• Use your device to call or FaceTime, not just text.

Focus on What Adds Value

• Try a digital detox—start with 15 minutes, an hour or a day.
• Replace doom-scrolling with meditation or mindfulness apps.

• Turn off non-essential notifications to reduce distractions.
• Rearrange your home screen to hide attention-grabbing icons.

• Unfollow or mute any accounts that don’t make you feel good.
• Audit your tech use weekly or monthly.
• Ask yourself: Is this helping or harming? Make small adjustments as needed.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Start Somewhere… Just, START

Dr. Tessler closed the session with this reminder: The goal is not to eliminate technology, but to become more conscious about how we use it. Here are her parting words of wisdom:

• Recognize early signs. Just like with physical health, mental wellbeing requires proactive care.
• Start somewhere. You don’t need to be perfect, just begin.
• Have self-empathy. You’d be patient with a friend starting something new; be just as kind to yourself.

You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Taking one small step toward better balance is how meaningful change begins.

If you missed the Magellan Minute, listen to the recording here.

We live in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI). It’s embedded in the apps we use, the posts we see, the ads we’re served and even the way we communicate with one another. AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a present reality. As technology becomes smarter and more seamless, we must ask: What is it doing to our minds? To our attention spans? To our mental health? Let’s explore what AI is, how it influences our social media experiences, the psychological costs of digital overuse and how we can begin to reclaim a healthier relationship with our devices.

What Is Artificial Intelligence, really?

At its core, AI refers to machines or systems that mimic human intelligence. This includes learning, problem-solving and recognizing patterns. Most commonly, AI uses machine learning and natural language processing to make sense of enormous volumes of data—like our digital behaviors.

On social media, AI is the engine behind everything from content recommendations to chatbots to ad targeting. It powers the way platforms “learn” our preferences, making our online experiences feel personalized, intuitive and sometimes, incredibly accurate.

Let’s look at a few ways AI is integrated into social platforms:

• Personalized content recommendations: AI analyzes your likes, shares, watch time and other behaviors to serve up content you’re likely to enjoy. That’s why scrolling your feed can feel so tailored…because it is.
• Enhanced user experiences: From AI-powered chatbots that answer your questions to image recognition tools that tag your friends in photos, AI makes platforms easier to use and more interactive.
• Improved ad targeting: Social media companies monetize attention, and AI helps them get better at it. By understanding your interests and habits, platforms can serve more relevant ads.

These innovations have revolutionized how we connect, consume and create. But the same tools that make digital experiences more engaging can also make them harder to step away from.

The Double-Edged Sword of AI

For AI to make predictions, it needs data. That data includes your location, your browsing history, your messages, your clicks and more. While companies promise to protect your information, breaches and misuse are not uncommon. And even when the data is protected, it’s still being mined.

But perhaps the most personal cost is the impact on our mental health.

When Technology Becomes Too Much

Social media platforms are designed to be addictive. By feeding us an endless stream of content that aligns with our interests, platforms create feedback loops that can be difficult to break. The result? Many people find themselves scrolling for hours, unable to disconnect.

Here are some of the key signs that technology may be affecting your mental health:

• Increased use: You need to spend more time online to feel satisfied or you feel anxious if you can’t check your phone.
• Inability to stop: You’ve tried to cut back, but it never sticks. You reach for your device instinctively.
• Withdrawal symptoms: You feel restless, irritable or even depressed when you try to unplug.
• Loss of time: You lose track of hours while browsing or watching videos, often without realizing it.
• Preoccupation: You’re constantly thinking about your last post—or your next opportunity to be online.
• Risky behavior: Your device use begins to affect your relationships, job performance or responsibilities.
• Lying about use: You hide or downplay how much time you spend online.
• Escapism: You use the internet to avoid problems or suppress uncomfortable feelings.

Even one or two of these signs can indicate a growing issue. And like any other behavioral pattern, the sooner we address it, the easier it is to change.

Building a Healthier Relationship with Technology

The goal isn’t to demonize social media or technology. Instead, it’s about using these tools more intentionally.

Here are a few strategies that can help:

• Take a digital detox: Whether it’s a few hours, a full day or an entire weekend, unplugging from your devices gives your brain a much-needed break. Use that time to read, take a walk, cook or engage in conversation without distractions.
• Set screen time limits: Most devices now include screen time monitoring tools. Use them. If Instagram is your digital kryptonite, try capping your daily use at 30 minutes and track how you feel.
• Seek professional support: Therapists specializing in digital addiction can help you identify the emotional drivers behind your tech use and build healthier coping strategies. There are also 12-step programs and outpatient clinics designed to support behavioral change.
• Reinvest in offline wellness: Physical movement, creative hobbies, mindfulness practices and in-person connections all provide meaningful alternatives to screen time. The more you engage in these activities, the less you’ll crave the dopamine drip of digital engagement.

Reclaiming Control Starts with One Choice

Artificial intelligence is here to stay—and it will only become more integrated into our lives. But we still have agency. We can choose when and how we engage. We can create boundaries. And we can step back when we notice the signs that our habits aren’t serving us.

What’s one thing you can do today to build a healthier relationship with technology?
Maybe it’s setting limits. Maybe it’s moving your phone out of the bedroom. Or maybe it’s planning a hike in a place with no signal. Whatever it is, start where you are. Small steps can lead to big change.

About the Author

Alison Johnstone is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Employee Assistance Professional and Substance Abuse Professional. Her background includes serving as a therapist and case worker in diverse industries such as hospitals and non-profit organizations. Alison brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Senior EAP Consultant for Magellan’s Workplace Support team.

Alison is an avid photographer, and other interests include weather phenomena (is a certified weather spotter for the National Weather Service), science of all kinds especially the universe and space, child welfare and human rights.

Mind Your Mental Health

During the summer, your mental health can be affected by longer days, oppressive heat and changes in schedules. Here are some ways to keep mentally healthier during those lazy-hazy-crazy days.

• Stay active by going for walks or hikes, or doing yoga outdoors, during the cooler morning hours.
• Make sure you always stay hydrated.
• Sit in the shade and express yourself by writing in a journal. Or read a stimulating book.
• Regularly meet with friends and/or family (in cool locations!) to share insights on what’s going on your life.
• If you’re struggling with an issue such as depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, substance abuse or relationship problems, reach out to your program for professional assistance.
• Check in on your vulnerable neighbors during heat waves.
• If you’re traveling, make sure to refill your prescriptions in advance.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/about/bh-resources/mymh or call your program for confidential mental health resources.

Working on Wellbeing: Working on Career Wellbeing

• Career wellbeing is about finding meaning in the work you do, whether it’s paid or volunteer. It’s easier to feel fulfilled when your tasks align with your strengths and interests.
• Celebrate your successes and the successes of your team. When you find joy in your work, you’ll not only perform better, but you’ll also help boost morale and contribute to a positive, productive work environment.