From childhood to older adulthood, our mental health needs evolve. Understanding and prioritizing what matters most at each stage helps us manage stress, build resilience, maintain meaningful relationships and thrive in daily life.

Children (0-12): Emotional security and healthy attachments

A solid foundation in emotional security helps children build resilience and cope with stress. Secure relationships with caregivers provide stability, trust and emotional regulation. To support this, create a nurturing environment, encourage emotional expression and maintain predictable routines.

Adolescents and young adults (13-25): Identity, social support and coping skills

This is a time of self-discovery, peer influence and independence. It’s also a time of stress as adolescents gain more responsibility and begin to experience greater social and academic pressure. Strong social connections and healthy coping skills can help them manage stress and life transitions. Foster open conversations, encourage self-expression through hobbies and interests, and teach stress management techniques like mindfulness and exercise.

Adults (26-64): Work-life balance and stress management

Careers, relationships and family life can lead to burnout if not properly managed. Set boundaries, maintain supportive relationships, and engage in self-care activities like hobbies and physical activity to promote mental wellbeing.

Older Adults (65+): Social connection and cognitive engagement

Major life changes, like retirement, health issues or loss can lead to increased isolation and depression. Staying socially and mentally engaged supports overall wellbeing and cognitive health. Make time for social interactions and lifelong learning and finding purpose through hobbies or volunteer work.

As we mature and our lives change, taking care of our mental health is key to living a fulfilling life at every stage.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/Mental-Health-Month for more information and helpful resources.

Autism Acceptance Month celebrates the unique strengths of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) while promoting understanding and support for their needs. ASD affects 1 in 36 children and an estimated five million adults in the U.S. Many face co-occurring mental and physical conditions, requiring holistic care to support their overall wellbeing.

Why acceptance matters

Acceptance creates opportunities and builds a sense of belonging. When individuals with autism are accepted and supported:

• Early intervention becomes possible. Diagnosing autism early enables access to therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), that improve communication and social skills, promoting independence and meaningful connections.
• Barriers are broken down. Approximately 85% of adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed. Increased awareness and support can help overcome challenges in education, employment and healthcare, creating opportunities for inclusion and success.

Why co-occurring conditions matter

Co-occurring conditions often significantly impact the lives of individuals with ASD.

• Physical health conditions, such as gastrointestinal issues, epilepsy and sleep disorders, affect approximately 50 – 70% of children with ASD.
• Mental health conditions, like anxiety, depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), impact up to 80% of adults with ASD.

Addressing these co-occurring conditions in tandem with ASD improves quality of life, strengthens relationships and promotes greater independence.

How you can make a difference

• Learn: Educate yourself about autism and co-occurring conditions.
• Advocate: Promote participation in schools, workplaces and communities.
• Amplify: Celebrate the strengths and perspectives of individuals with ASD.

Together, we can create a world that embraces neurodiversity, fosters acceptance and empowers individuals with ASD to thrive.

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/Autism-Resources for more information and helpful resources.

Employees spend a significant amount of time at work. When they struggle with personal or professional challenges, their performance, engagement and overall wellbeing can suffer, directly impacting an organization’s success. Organizations that provide counseling services can create a more resilient, productive and healthy workplace.

The business case for employee counseling

When employees have access to mental health support, organizations typically experience:

• Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism.
• Improved workplace productivity.
• Enhanced employee retention.
• Stronger team dynamics.
• Lower healthcare costs.
• Increased employee engagement.
• Better workplace morale.

Counseling can transform lives

Counseling services, such as those provided by Magellan Healthcare, offer employees practical support, education and guidance on various issues. Common challenges include work-related stress and burnout, anxiety and depression, team conflicts, relationship issues, work-life balance struggles, family and parenting difficulties, grief and loss, substance use concerns and sleep problems impacting productivity.

Flexible solutions for today’s workplace

Counseling helps individuals understand challenging issues, learn more about themselves, learn more about how to develop and maintain healthy relationships, develop better coping skills and work toward meaningful solutions. It is essential to offer a variety of convenient formats. Magellan Healthcare’s counseling services are available in-person (i.e., in the client’s local area) or through virtual therapy (provided by BetterHelp) and can be accessed in the following formats:

• Live video sessions – times are scheduled with therapists, and include voice and video.
• Text messaging – therapists provide feedback, insights and guidance based on client messages submitted.
• Live chat – provides the convenience and privacy of messaging but in a “live” interaction that allows instant response and feedback from counselors.
• Live phone sessions – times are scheduled between members and counselors to talk about issues needing attention.

This flexibility ensures that employees can access support without disrupting their work schedules or compromising their privacy.

The path forward

Investing in employee mental health through counseling services demonstrates a commitment to workforce wellbeing. At Magellan Healthcare, we support employees and their household members by providing access to counseling that helps maintain mental health, manage work-related challenges and perform at their best.

Learn more about Magellan Employer Solutions.

At a time when workplace distraction and stress have never been a greater impediment to productivity, it would be ideal to have a resource that could help employees deal with specific issues that may be holding them back in work or personal areas.

Magellan’s Wellbeing Coaching targets problem areas for employees and helps them achieve resolutions that clear the way for improved performance.

Workplace inattention

60% of employees can’t go 30 minutes without getting distracted (Fortune 2024) and employees lose over 5 work hours per week thinking about stressors (American Psychological Association).

What is Wellbeing Coaching?

This service, part of Magellan’s Employee Assistance Solution, helps employees and their family members focus on and manage challenging issues, build their resilience and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Each Magellan Wellbeing Coach is a board certified coach (BCC) through Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE), and receive continual training and supervision to improve their skills and areas of expertise.

How does it work?

In confidential sessions conducted by phone or video, Wellbeing Coaches engage employees by listening and using motivational interviewing to help them clarify their goals and objectives, identify their relevant strengths and recognize potential roadblocks to goal attainment. Coaching sessions are typically 50 minutes long and scheduled based on the employee’s needs, with 30-minute follow up sessions usually once every two weeks.

Wellbeing Coaches assist employees in developing customized plans to achieve their goals via a strengths-based approach, building on the positive inner resources of an individual to make changes. Employees are encouraged to take an active role in managing their wellbeing through making behavioral changes and being accountable for their progress.

Providing a different perspective

We’re often consumed by our own opinions, life experiences and way of thinking. A coach can provide a new and often helpful perspective on things (INLP Center).

How does Wellbeing Coaching benefit employers?

Wellbeing Coaching motivates and empowers employees to take action to feel fulfilled in all aspects of their lives. When they focus on wellbeing in one area, other areas naturally improve, and employees experience increased confidence, engagement and loyalty. This supports a healthier, more present workforce.

Proven results

Magellan Healthcare members report a 96% overall satisfaction rating. The 4.8-out-of-5 rating includes Overall Service Quality, Achieving Goals, Coach Helpfulness, Coach Responsiveness and Resources Provided. These results demonstrate a tangible positive impact for employees and their families.

Learn more about Magellan’s Employer Solutions

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also cause feelings of stress, grief, anxiety and sadness. Whether it’s feeling pressured to create the perfect holiday, navigating family dynamics or dealing with loneliness and/or social anxiety, this time of year can be challenging.

Tips for experiencing happier holidays:

1. Check in with yourself: Acknowledging and validating your feelings can help you address negative emotions and make space for positive ones. Taking a step back ensures you don’t become overwhelmed.
2. Engage in self-care activities: Prioritizing activities that enhance your wellbeing, such as exercise, adequate sleep, nutritious food, reading or a relaxing bath, can help you find moments of joy during the holiday busyness.
3. Volunteer and connect: Helping others can be a powerful way to lift your spirits. Volunteering at events like food, toy and winter clothing drives can help you meet new people, overcome feelings of loneliness and increase your overall positivity and health.
4. Create meaningful traditions: Establishing new ways to celebrate can bring comfort and joy. Whether it’s celebrating at a different location, preparing a special dish or honoring the memory of a loved one, creating unique memories can foster a positive outlook.
5. Seek professional support: If you find yourself struggling, therapists and counselors can provide valuable tools to help you manage emotions, family trauma or stress and cope with grief.

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions during the holidays. By prioritizing your mental health, embracing new traditions and taking care of yourself, you can focus on moments of joy.

Find additional information and resources at MagellanHealthcare.com/2024-Holidays.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the current political climate, you’re not alone. A national survey suggests more than 60% of registered voters in the U.S. say politics are a significant source of stress, and some even say they’ve lost sleep over it. Over 25% of voters also say politics have sparked conflict among their family and friends. Political stress, anxiety or even anger you may feel over politics can be hard to cope with.

Managing what you can control during election season

These feelings can have a negative impact on your emotional and physical health. Symptoms such as low energy, insomnia, loss of appetite, mood swings and tension are signs that you should not ignore. It is important to recognize what you can and cannot control as the election approaches. You cannot control other people’s opinions, beliefs, reactions or how they express themselves. Nor can you control others’ votes. There are, however, many things you can control during and after the election:

• Limit the amount of time you spend on election news and discussions. While the 24-hour political news cycle on television, radio and the internet is almost impossible to escape, you can limit the amount of time you spend on media each day.
• Be aware of the coverage, feeds and groups you follow. When you are watching or reading election coverage, avoid negative-leaning discussions, especially if you feel frustrated or upset by them.
• Recognize how you interact on social media. Avoid giving angry or emotional responses to posts that do not align with your views. You are unlikely to change other people’s opinions; you are more likely to get unwanted and hostile feedback.
• Focus on the time you spend with people. Prioritize your relationships with positive family and friends. Strong social connections can reduce stress and help you feel happier and more energetic.
• Manage how you deal with stress. Whether it’s meditation, going out in nature, reading a book or working on a hobby, take time to do something that makes you feel good. Get enough sleep and exercise, eat a healthy diet and avoid using alcohol or drugs.
• Stick to your boundaries. Before you enter a conversation, ask yourself if you’re in the emotional headspace to have it. Are you feeling stressed out, on edge or angry? Are you prepared to have a healthy debate or do conversations around this topic tend not to go well? If you feel like you’d be better off not having an election-related conversation, express your boundaries. You could say, “This conversation is really challenging for me, and it’s bringing up a lot of feelings. Can we move on to something else?”
• Take action by using your time and talents. Give your time and skills to a cause you believe in. If you have a strong interest in a political cause or candidate, offer to help with a campaign or other event.

This article is for your information only. It is not meant to give medical advice. It should not be used to replace a visit with a provider. Magellan Health does not endorse other resources that may be mentioned here.

SOURCE: The Jed Foundation

October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes, typically beginning when fall starts and intensifying during late fall or early winter.

What’s the difference between SAD and the “winter blues”?

Many people feel a little down during colder months because they are stuck inside, and it gets dark early. These feelings, often called the “winter blues,” are temporary. SAD is a clinical form of depression that affects your daily life, including how you feel and think. SAD can last up to five months of the year.

What causes SAD?

About 5% of adults in the U.S. experience SAD. It tends to start in young adulthood. SAD may be caused by reduced serotonin and vitamin D levels, altered melatonin levels, decreased sunlight and shorter days.

What are the symptoms of SAD?

If you have SAD, you may experience mood changes and symptoms of depression, including:

• Persistent sadness
• Increased anxiety
• Food cravings and weight gain
• Extreme fatigue and low energy
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Social withdrawal
• Sleep disturbances

What are treatment options for SAD?

Treatment should be tailored to you and supervised by a healthcare professional. Options include:

• Spending time outdoors—Getting more sunlight can help improve your symptoms.
• Light therapy—Using a light therapy box daily helps regulate circadian rhythms and boost mood.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy—This treatment helps identify and change negative thought patterns.
• Vitamin D—A supplement may help if a deficiency is present.
• Medication—Antidepressants may be prescribed for severe cases.

For more on Seasonal Affective Disorder, visit our website for National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, MagellanHealthcare.com/Mental-Health, and be sure to check out the suicide prevention tip sheets and awareness campaign toolkit.

Sources

• Cleveland Clinic
• NIMH

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Sometimes, suicide may seem like the only way to escape the pain of situations such as a breakup, job loss, social exclusion, bullying or other trauma. This type of distress can be a dangerous trap. It’s vital to take immediate steps to move yourself away from feelings of hopelessness. What can you do?

Spot the triggers. Recognize worsening distress in the form of self-blame, poor self-esteem, rejection, loss of interest in activities or feeling trapped and hopeless.

Remove lethal items. Rid your home of items you could use for self-harm, like guns, knives, razors or expired, discontinued and non-essential medicines.

Get help right away. Acting quickly can make all the difference. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. A trained counselor will help you talk through what you’re feeling, and together you’ll develop a safety plan.

Consult with a professional. Mental health professionals can help you with concerns like depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

Reach out. Talk with a close friend, loved one or spiritual advisor. If you feel you’re in a crisis, dial 911.

Recognize feelings are temporary. Your dark feelings aren’t permanent. With responsive care, you can and will feel better.

For more on suicide prevention, visit our website for September Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, MagellanHealthcare.com/Prevent-Suicide, and be sure to check out the suicide prevention tip sheets and awareness campaign toolkit.

SOURCES: Mayo Clinic and Mental Health America