Tough times can leave you feeling disconnected, anxious or off balance. Grounding techniques help shift your attention back to the present moment by engaging your body, mind or emotions. These small actions can support your mental wellbeing anytime, anywhere.

Anchor yourself with physical grounding

Physical grounding helps you feel present through breath, movement and your senses.                                           

• Breathe and stretch: Inhale deeply, stretch overhead and notice your body release tension.
• Feel with focus: Pick up a nearby object. Notice its shape, weight and texture.
• Pause and listen: Close your eyes. Listen to all the sounds you can notice for one minute.

Stay steady with mental grounding

Mental grounding helps redirect your focus from distressing thoughts to facts, patterns or tasks.

• Spot five things: Look around and name five things you see.
• List it out: Name as many animals or foods as possible in 30 seconds.
• Challenge your brain: Say the alphabet backward.

Find calm with emotional grounding

Emotional grounding helps you reconnect with comfort, strength or safety.

• Speak kindness: Say a calming phrase like, “I’m doing the best I can.”
• Press play: Listen to a song or podcast that makes you feel strong or uplifted.
• Picture peace: Close your eyes and imagine a place where you feel calm, safe or grounded.

A small moment of calm can be the first step toward steadiness. Try different grounding techniques and notice what helps you feel more present, supported and in control.

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

Bullying isn’t just a schoolyard problem, it’s a pervasive issue that can follow children wherever they spend their time: in classrooms, on buses, at extracurricular activities and online. The impact of bullying is profound, leaving emotional scars that can last into adulthood. Children who are bullied are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, social withdrawal and academic challenges. 

Employees who are parents of children experiencing bullying often face additional stress that can impact workplace productivity, engagement and mental wellbeing. According to the American Psychological Association, workplace stress related to family concerns can lead to higher absenteeism, decreased focus and lower job satisfaction. By providing support for employees’ families, employers can reduce these stressors, improve retention and foster a culture of wellbeing. 

Understanding bullying

Bullying involves intentionally using physical, verbal or psychological actions to harm someone else, often exploiting a real or perceived power imbalance. Parents often notice behavioral changes in children who are being bullied including, withdrawal from activities, mood changes or reluctance to talk about school. Addressing bullying requires proactive communication and practical support. 

Practical ways to help children cope
While every situation differs, there are proven strategies to help children stay safe and resilient: 

• Notify school officials and trusted adults. 

• Avoid fighting back in anger and walk away when possible. 

• Use the buddy system for safety in numbers. 

• Encourage open dialogue and provide guidance tailored to your child’s needs. 

Beyond immediate safety measures, many children who experience bullying also struggle with lasting anxiety and depression that require additional therapeutic support. When traditional in-person therapy isn’t readily accessible or when children need supplemental tools to build emotional resilience, innovative digital interventions can provide crucial support. 

Digital tools to reduce anxiety and empower children 
Magellan Healthcare’s Digital Emotional Wellbeing program, powered by NeuroFlow, is a core component of our Employee Assistance Program. The programs, ThinkHeroTM (ages 6-12 years) and ThinkWarriorTM (ages 13-17 years), offer age-appropriate, interactive digital cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs designed to address anxiety and depression in children and teens. 

Developed with a clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric CBT, these programs provide adventure-based, interactive narratives that help children: 

• Recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns 

• Practice situations they would normally avoid 

• Build lifelong skills to manage anxiety 

• Develop inner strength and self-empowerment 

Participants progress through nine self-directed steps, with the option to engage a supportive adult to provide encouragement and reinforce progress. The programs are confidential and accessible anywhere, on any device.

Proven impact of Magellan’s programs 

These results show that structured digital interventions can meaningfully improve emotional wellbeing for children and teens, offering a measurable ROI for employers who provide access to these resources. 

Why employers should offer Magellan’s EAP with Digital Emotional Wellbeing Programs
Supporting employees’ families goes beyond childcare, it directly impacts workplace performance. With Magellan’s EAP, employers can: 

• Help working parents manage their stress and support their children’s mental health 

• Reduce stress-related absenteeism and improve productivity 

• Enhance employee satisfaction, retention and engagement 

• Promote a culture of wellbeing and resilience across the organization 

Bullying can’t always be prevented, but with the right support systems, children can build resilience, parents can feel empowered, and employers can benefit from a healthier, more productive workforce.  

Learn how Magellan Healthcare can support your employees and their families with digital emotional wellbeing programs. 

Sources: American Psychological Association and Harvard Business Review  

Together, we can foster a culture of awareness and compassion that saves lives. Every person matters. Every sign matters. Every conversation has the potential to connect someone to the help they need. 

Suicide doesn’t always present clear warning signs and can happen suddenly, without any indication something is wrong. It is essential to recognize the discreet and overt signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

Children and teens 

• Decline in the quality of schoolwork 

• Complaints about physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc. 

• Anger or hostility that seems out of character 

• Withdrawal from friends, family and regular activities 

• Preoccupation with death and dying 

• Statements like: “I wish I were dead,” or “I won’t be a problem for you much longer” 

 Adults and seniors 

• Acting anxious, agitated or behaving recklessly 

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs 

• Displaying extreme mood swings 

• Giving things of value away 

• Expressing thoughts of being a burden to others, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain 

• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live 

Helping someone who may be feeling suicidal requires sensitivity, a calm presence and immediate action. You don’t have to be a mental health expert to make a difference. By paying attention, speaking up and showing someone they’re not alone, you can help save a life. 

Find more information here.  

Sources: American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 

When tragedy strikes the workplace – whether it’s a sudden accident, natural disaster, act of violence, or a major organizational upheaval – the impact on your people can be profound and far-reaching. Events like these can shake their sense of safety and stability, leading to emotional and psychological effects that may linger long after the initial crisis has passed. 

At Magellan Healthcare, we understand how critical it is for organizations to respond quickly, compassionately, and effectively during these challenging times. That’s why our Critical Incident Response (CIR) services, part of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), support organizations and employees through their most difficult moments. 

Why Crisis Support Matters 

During and after a crisis, employees often experience a range of emotional responses such as shock, fear, guilt, anxiety, confusion and denial. These reactions are normal; however, without proper support, they can escalate into long-term stress and decreased workplace performance. In fact, 61% of employees report significant stress during times of crisis, which can lead to a 33% drop in productivity. If unaddressed, the ripple effects of a crisis may contribute to absenteeism, turnover and reduced morale. 

By providing timely, expert support through CIR services, organizations can protect their employees’ mental health while promoting a faster recovery and return to productivity. 

Magellan’s CIR team comprises licensed behavioral health professionals who average 17 years of experience in trauma response. They are available 24/7, 365 days a year to guide organizations and employees through their most vulnerable moments with professionalism, empathy and skill. 

Our services are tailored to each organization’s specific needs and may include: 

• Psychological First Aid  

• Management consultation and coaching 

• Group and individual debriefings (onsite or virtual) 

• Telephonic crisis support 

Whether an incident affects one individual or an entire department, our CIR team conducts an initial consultation to understand the situation and develop a customized response plan. Support can be deployed quickly, with virtual or onsite services available within hours. 

Beyond the First Response 

Crises are not resolved in a single day; recovery often takes time. Magellan continues to support organizations beyond the immediate response. Our clinicians follow up with the organization in the days and weeks following the incident to assess recovery, recommend additional resources and ensure employees are coping well. This ongoing support helps organizations show care for their employees, build trust and prevent long-term impacts such as burnout or disengagement. 

The Power of Skilled Support 

With more than 3,000 responses per year, Magellan’s CIR team has built a reputation for excellence. Our clients consistently tell us that this service made a real difference for their teams. Employees feel supported, heard and reassured during moments of crisis. 

A crisis can change everything. With the right support in place, your organization can help employees recover and move forward. Learn more about how Magellan’s CIR services can make a meaningful difference during times of need. 

Sources: 
American Psychological Association. 

International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience. 

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 increased 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