Feeling connected to others plays a significant role in mental health. If you’ve experienced loss, trauma or isolation, or felt marginalized or bullied, community can be especially important. While finding or building community may take time, it can make a real difference. Strong relationships reduce stress, support mental health and help make life more meaningful. 

How to engage with your community

Community can start with small, everyday actions that fit your time, comfort level and interests. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Choose what feels right for you.

• Support your neighborhood: Get to know neighbors, check in on someone nearby or take part in activities that bring people together.
• Practice active kindness: Simple gestures, like listening or offering help can strengthen relationships.
• Take part in local events: Attend community gatherings, fairs or activities to meet others and learn what’s happening in your area.
• Use shared spaces: Spend time in libraries, community centers, parks or other places people gather.
• Join a club or group (online or in person): Look for groups focused on your interests, culture or shared experiences.
• Get outside: Participate in walking groups, community gardens or outdoor activities.
• Care for your environment: Help keep shared spaces clean, safe and welcoming.
• Volunteer or give your time: Contribute your skills or help others through local organizations or causes.

Community takes many forms. One small action, online or in person, can build connection and support and create brighter days.

Veterans often blend in, avoid drawing attention to themselves, and put others first. A career defined by efficiency, mission focus, and resilience shapes not only their service but their approach to life afterward. Transitioning from caring for others to seeking support can be challenging. Recognizing when help is needed, identifying trustworthy resources, and prioritizing personal wellbeing are not always straightforward. The impact of military service is long-lasting, influencing how Veterans engage with support systems in both their personal and professional lives.

For many Veterans, the first place they encounter support after leaving the military is the workplace. Employer-sponsored services such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) play an important role in helping Veterans navigate stress, life transitions, and personal challenges while maintaining their professional responsibilities. As more Veterans transition into civilian careers, workplace-based behavioral health and wellbeing services serve as an important bridge between military culture and civilian life.

Understanding the unique experiences Veterans bring to the workplace enables organizations and EAP professionals to support their wellbeing better, strengthen engagement, and foster successful long-term reintegration.

Understanding the Veteran Employee

Veterans come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, yet many share common values shaped by military service. Responsibility, loyalty, teamwork, and dedication to mission often remain central to how Veterans approach their work and relationships.

These strengths can also create challenges when it comes to seeking support. Many Veterans are accustomed to pushing through discomfort, solving problems independently, and prioritizing the needs of others over their own. In workplace environments, these tendencies may appear as increased stress, difficulty asking for help, or reluctance to use available resources.

EAP counselors and workplace support professionals are uniquely positioned to recognize these patterns and offer confidential guidance that encourages early support before challenges begin to affect wellbeing or job performance.

Moving Beyond the Stereotype

Veterans do not fit a single profile. They represent every age group, background, profession, and personality. Some may openly share their military experience, while others may never mention it unless asked directly.

This is especially true for individuals who served in the National Guard or Reserve, or those whose roles did not involve combat. Some Veterans prefer not to receive special attention, while others may have complex or mixed feelings about their service.

For workplace leaders and EAP professionals, avoiding assumptions and maintaining genuine curiosity is essential. A simple question such as “Have you ever served in the military?” can open the door to better understanding an employee’s experiences and identifying resources that may be helpful.

Integrating Veteran-Centered Support Across the Employee Experience

Veteran-centered support requires attention at multiple points of interaction. Whether through workplace programs, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), or other support services, understanding when and how to engage Veterans can help ensure they feel supported both personally and professionally.

• Intake: Early identification of Veteran status can help connect individuals with appropriate workplace and community resources. A simple question such as “Have you ever served in the military?” can open the door to meaningful conversations about experiences that may shape how Veterans approach work, stress, and support. Within an EAP model, early awareness allows counselors to provide guidance, share relevant resources, and help employees navigate challenges before they begin to affect workplace engagement or overall wellbeing.
• Treatment Planning: Military service often instills traits such as mission focus, resilience, and a high tolerance for discomfort. While these qualities are valuable strengths in the workplace, they can sometimes make it difficult for Veterans to prioritize their own wellbeing or ask for support. EAP counselors and workplace support professionals can help by creating space for open dialogue and ensuring that support strategies feel practical and realistic. Asking questions such as:
  • “Does this plan work for you?”
  • “Is this realistic?”
  • “What concerns or hesitations do you have?”

Awareness of a chain-of-command mindset can also be helpful. Some Veterans may ask fewer questions or assume important information will be shared proactively. Providing clear explanations and direct communication helps build trust and ensures employees understand the support available to them.

• Discharge Planning: Veterans may report they are “fine” even when they are experiencing ongoing stress or challenges. Continued encouragement to engage with available resources helps ensure support does not end after an initial conversation or counseling session. EAP counselors and workplace leaders should remain attentive to subtle signals such as overworking, emotional detachment, irritability, or dismissiveness toward mental health support. These cues may indicate that additional support or resources could be helpful.

By maintaining open lines of communication and encouraging ongoing engagement with support services, organizations can help Veteran employees build stability, strengthen resilience, and succeed both personally and professionally.

Building Trust and Strengthening Workplace Wellbeing

The foundation of effective Veteran support in the workplace is trust. Respect, transparency, direct communication, and consistency demonstrate that organizations value the experiences Veterans bring to their teams. Workplaces that adopt Veteran-informed approaches within EAP and wellbeing services help create environments where employees feel seen, understood, and supported. These efforts not only benefit Veteran employees but also strengthen organizational culture and resilience across the workforce.

By approaching Veteran support with awareness, curiosity, and empathy, organizations can better meet the needs of those who have served. When integrated with Employee Assistance Programs and workplace wellbeing initiatives, these efforts help Veterans thrive both personally and professionally while contributing their strengths and leadership to civilian workplaces.

March 15-21 is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – a time to talk openly about substance misuse and recovery.

Substance Misuse Affects Everyone

Substance misuse touches people of every age, background and income level. A health challenge that deserves compassion and professional support.

The Facts

About 57% of teens ages 12-17 don’t see the risks in binge drinking. Substance misuse is connected to roughly 50% of suicides, over half of violent crimes and traffic accidents and 80% of domestic violence incidents.

Recovery is Possible

If you or someone you love is struggling, there’s real hope. Professional help and treatment work. Reach out to a healthcare provider, call a helpline or talk to someone you trust. Recovery is possible.

Workplace stress is not a new challenge, but its impact on mental wellness has never been more visible. Across all workplaces, employees can face mounting pressures from demanding workloads, complex organizational structures, and the expectation of constant availability. Over time, these stressors do not stay neatly contained within the workday. They affect sleep, relationships, physical health, and overall wellbeing.

When employees are supported in managing stress and setting healthy boundaries, organizations benefit through improved engagement, productivity, and resilience. Creating mentally healthy workplaces is not about eliminating stress entirely. It is about equipping people with the tools and environments they need to manage it effectively.

Rethinking Boundaries at Work

One of the most common contributors to workplace stress is the erosion of boundaries. Constant connectivity, blurred lines between professional and personal life, and difficulty saying no can all lead to burnout over time. Unhealthy boundaries may look like regularly working outside regular hours, taking on more responsibility than is sustainable, or navigating workplace relationships that negatively affect performance or wellbeing.

Healthy boundaries vary by role. Federal employees in mission-critical or on-call positions will naturally face different expectations than those in more structured schedules. Even so, regularly assessing whether boundaries are aligned with workload, capacity, and wellbeing can help employees leave work at work and maintain balance over time.

Managing Stress Before It Becomes Burnout

Not all stress is harmful. In fact, manageable levels of stress can enhance motivation and performance. When challenges are perceived as meaningful and achievable, stress can support growth and engagement. Problems arise when stress becomes chronic, unmanaged, and relentless.

Burnout is now formally recognized as a workplace phenomenon resulting from prolonged, unmanaged stress. It is often characterized by exhaustion, emotional detachment from work, and a reduced sense of effectiveness. Recovery from burnout can be difficult, which makes prevention essential.

Effective stress management begins with prioritization. Understanding what truly requires immediate attention and what can wait reduces unnecessary pressure. When priorities are unclear, open conversations between employees and supervisors can prevent misalignment and overload.

Equally important is focusing on what is within one’s control. While it is easy to become consumed by factors beyond personal influence, such as others’ decisions or behaviors, stress is reduced when attention is redirected toward actions, responses, and communication choices that can be managed directly.

Perspective also matters. Viewing challenges as opportunities to learn or grow can significantly reduce the adverse effects of stress. While not every situation will feel positive, reframing stressors where possible can improve both performance and wellbeing.

The Power of Taking a Break

One of the simplest and most overlooked strategies for improving mental wellness at work is taking regular breaks. Many employees skip lunch or work through breaks due to heavy workloads or the belief that stepping away will reduce productivity. Research consistently shows the opposite.

Routine breaks help prevent decision fatigue, improve concentration, and support emotional regulation. Stepping away allows the brain to rest and reset, which is essential for sustained performance. Short breaks throughout the day can be just as valuable as longer ones.

Breaks do not need to be elaborate. A brief walk, stretching, breathing exercises, or even a few moments of quiet reflection can restore focus and reduce stress. Encouraging a culture that supports breaks rather than discourages them sends a clear message that mental wellness is valued.

Creating a Personal Mental Wellness Plan

There is no single approach that works for everyone. Mental wellness strategies must be tailored to individual roles, responsibilities, and personal circumstances. What matters most is intentionality. Small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful improvements over time. Support resources such as Employee Assistance Programs and wellness coaching can help employees identify practical strategies, set realistic goals, and address barriers to change. These resources also provide a confidential space to reflect, problem solve, and build resilience.

Healthy workplaces are built through a combination of individual action, supportive leadership, and organizational commitment. When mental wellness is prioritized, employees are better equipped to meet the demands of their roles and sustain long-term success in the service of their missions.

Sources:

– Charles, Susan T et al. “The mixed benefits of a stressor-free life.” Emotion (Washington, D.C.) vol. 21,5 (2021): 962-971. doi:10.1037/emo0000958

– Jabr, Ferris. “Why Your Brain Needs More Downtime.” Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2013, www.scientificamerican.com/article/mental-downtime/. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

– Selig, Meg. “How Do Work Breaks Help Your Brain? 5 Surprising Answers.” Psychology Today, 17 Apr. 2018, www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/changepower/201704/how-do-work-breaks-help-your-brain-5-surprising-answers. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

– World Health Organization. “Burn-out ‘as an “Occupational Phenomenon’: International Classification of Diseases.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 28 May 2019, www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.

Building your confidence – starting today.

Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. When it’s healthy, you recognize your strengths and appreciate the good in life. The great news? You can strengthen it. Here’s how:

• Flip the script on self-criticism. Replace harsh inner voices with kinder ones. Celebrate wins, big and small, and own what you’re good at.
• Show your compassion. Everyone is a work in progress. Treat yourself like you’d treat a good friend, with kindness and understanding.
• Stop the comparison game. Social media shows highlight reels, not reality. Focus on your path and progress, not someone else’s.
• Find growth in every experience. When things don’t go as planned, ask what you learned instead of dwelling on the disappointment. Turn obstacles into stepping stones.
• Build your crew. Surround yourself with people who uplift you. A positive circle makes a real difference in how you see yourself.

Visit the Mind Your Mental Health page on your member website or call your program for confidential mental health resources.

Mental Wellbeing Month asserts that being mentally healthy is a vital part of your overall wellness. Just as it’s important to monitor markers of your physical health such as blood pressure or cholesterol levels, you should keep careful track of your emotional wellbeing. This can include your moods, ability to function socially, energy levels and ability to respond to challenges.

• Practice mindfulness by slowing down during your day to fully experience the present moment. Take stock of how you’re feeling and let go of stress.
• Seek professional help if you experience ongoing feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of energy, insomnia, early awakening, oversleeping or restlessness and irritability.
• Schedule meaningful activities each day, such as creative hobbies, that are important to you. Identify and work into your routine the activities that reliably help you relax and recharge.

Visit the Mind Your Mental Health page on your member website or call your program for confidential mental health resources.

Working on physical health

Never underestimate the importance of nurturing your physical wellbeing. It’s never too late to work on improving your health.

• Physical health forms the foundation for mental and emotional resilience—allowing you to meet the challenges of the day, manage your relationships and succeed in your work.
• The connection is clear—prioritize regular movement, a healthy diet, quality sleep and you’ll likely experience increased energy, improved mood, enhanced appearance and greater capacity to pursue what matters most to you.

Behavioral health crises are on the rise across the country. We sat down with Matt Hardin, crisis system director, Idaho, and Rebecca Mutchler, senior director business development, Magellan Healthcare, about how Magellan Crisis Connect 360 is closing gaps in crisis response and helping states build coordinated, community-based systems that improve access, strengthen accountability and support lasting recovery.

Why is an effective behavioral health crisis system so important right now?

Rebecca: Communities across the country are facing growing mental health and substance use challenges. Emergency departments and law enforcement are often the first to respond, even though they aren’t designed for behavioral health crises.

Matt: An effective system ensures:

• Timely access to care when it’s needed most
• Safe, community-based alternatives to hospitalization or incarceration
• Improved coordination between providers, payers and public agencies

Ultimately, it’s about saving lives and helping people recover in the least restrictive setting possible.

What is Magellan Crisis Connect 360?

Matt: Magellan Crisis Connect 360 is our coordinated approach to managing behavioral health crisis care for states and regions. It connects call centers, mobile response teams, and crisis stabilization facilities and units under a single accountable entity to deliver truly coordinated care.

Rebecca: The goal is simple—ensure people get the right care faster, reduce reliance on emergency rooms and law enforcement and improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.

What shared challenges do states, communities and providers face in delivering crisis services?

Rebecca: Most crisis systems operate in silos with different agencies managing various parts of the response. This typically leads to:

• Confusion about who’s responsible for what
• Delays or gaps when people move between services
• Limited data sharing or outcome tracking

Addressing these challenges requires consistent standards, strong partnerships and clear accountability across all parts of the crisis system.

How does Magellan Crisis Connect 360 address these challenges?

Matt: We bring all parts of the crisis system together under one coordinated structure called a single accountable entity. That means one organization oversees the entire continuum of care, from the first call through post-crisis follow-up, so everyone knows who’s responsible for what.

Rebecca: Crisis Connect 360 also strengthens coordination between providers and agencies, ensuring individuals move seamlessly between services without gaps in care. Our shared data systems and public-facing dashboards promote transparency and collaboration, helping states track outcomes, identify trends and continuously improve performance.

How does the single accountable entity approach benefit communities and stakeholders?

Matt: By placing accountability and coordination under one umbrella, the single accountable entity approach ensures decisions are made with the entire system in mind. It streamlines communication, reduces administrative complexity and keeps partners aligned around shared goals.

Rebecca:  For communities, that translates into:

• Expedited connections to crisis services
• Consistent quality and experience across providers
• Stronger collaboration between behavioral health, emergency and community-based services

What makes Magellan Crisis Connect 360 different from other crisis response models?

Rebecca: Many crisis models focus on individual components, like call centers or mobile response, without fully connecting the system. Magellan Crisis Connect 360 takes a more comprehensive approach, integrating people, processes and technology into a single accountable framework.

Matt: The model is clinically informed, guided by standardized assessments and evidence-based practices that ensure consistent, high-quality responses. Real-time coordination connects crisis lines, mobile teams and stabilization services, while public dashboards provide transparency and accountability.

Rebecca: As a leader in crisis care transformation, Magellan brings decades of experience building data-driven, community-based systems that strengthen system-level resilience and help reduce unnecessary emergency room use and justice system involvement. It’s more than a response model. It’s a connected, sustainable system designed to improve outcomes and long-term recovery.

What are the core components of the Magellan Crisis Connect 360 model?

Matt: At its core, Crisis connect 360 brings together the people, tools and technology  needed to make crisis care seamless and effective. The model includes:

• Around-the-clock crisis response through a dedicated call center available to respond via call, text or chat, GPS-enabled mobile dispatch and follow-up to make sure people stay connected to the support they need.
• Consistent assessment tools that help determine a person’s level of risk and guide the right response at the right time.
• Personalized crisis plans and follow-up that are designed around each person’s needs and the resources available in their community.
• A compassionate workforce with lived experience that offers peer support, so individuals get help navigating services from someone who truly understands.
• Transparent public dashboards that share performance data and outcomes to help systems improve and stay accountable.

How does the model integrate with 988, behavioral health crisis lines and other community resources?

Matt: Crisis Connect 360 was built on SAMHSA’s best practices. Our crisis call center offers a place to call for individuals and families to outreach during a crisis. Calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or behavioral health crisis lines are triaged and routed directly to local crisis teams.

Rebecca:  Community partnerships ensure individuals receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. This connected approach helps reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and keeps people supported within their own communities.

What role does technology play in ensuring timely, coordinated crisis response?

Matt: Technology really is the backbone of Crisis Connect 360. It’s what keeps every part of the system connected and responsive. Our platform supports real-time triage and routing, so people get help faster. It also gives providers shared access to the same information, which helps everyone stay on the same page.

Rebecca:  Public dashboards promote data transparency and track outcomes so states and communities can see how their systems are performing and make informed decisions about where to focus resources.

What evidence or data shows that Magellan Crisis Connect 360 improves outcomes?

Matt: The model is grounded in evidence-based practices, and we’re already seeing measurable improvement in Idaho where Crisis Connect 360 has been in place for over a year. Current data shows:

• 83% of crises are resolved over the phone, meaning most callers receive the help they need without requiring in-person intervention.
• 86% of crises involving a mobile response team are resolved in the field. This avoids unnecessary hospitalization or law enforcement involvement.
• 92% of individuals served through stabilization programs are discharged back to the community after receiving short-term support.

Rebecca:  These outcomes demonstrate the power of a coordinated system that connects people to timely community-based care and supports recovery beyond the initial crisis.

How does the model help improve efficiency and quality of care?

Rebecca: Crisis Connect 360 is designed to make the best use of every dollar invested in behavioral health crisis care. By coordinating services under a single accountable entity, the model reduces duplication, directs resources where they’re most effective and supports community-based care over higher-cost emergency settings.

Matt: Transparent performance dashboards give partners a clear view of outcomes and resource use, helping guide smarter reinvestment in programs that deliver results. This accountability and visibility make Crisis Connect 360 a financially sustainable approach to improving access, quality and long-term impact.

Can you share a real-world example of the program making a difference?

Matt: One story that really stayed with our team came from an elderly man in a small Idaho community. A friend called the crisis line out of concern for his safety and wellbeing. Our mobile response team arrived within 20 minutes and spent nearly three hours talking with him. He shared that he was experiencing emotional abuse and neglect in his home, with limited access to food and basic needs.

Although he declined additional services at that time, the team recognized the seriousness of the situation and contacted Adult Protective Services and Child Protective Services to ensure the safety of everyone in the home. Several months later, the team happened to run into him in the community. He told them, with support from APS, he had moved to a safe and stable home and said he “had not been this happy in years.”

It’s a reminder that even when outcomes aren’t immediate, coordinated crisis response can change the course of someone’s life.

Looking ahead: Sustainability, adaptability and what’s next

Rebecca: Crisis Connect 360 is designed not only to improve outcomes today but to stay sustainable and adaptable for the future. By coordinating every element of crisis response under a single accountable entity, states and communities can maximize impact and ensure resources are used where they matter most.

Matt: The model’s flexibility allows each state, region or community to tailor its approach, expanding mobile response in rural areas, deepening community partnerships in urban settings and customizing care for youth, older adults and individuals with complex needs.

Rebecca: Looking ahead, Magellan Healthcare is focused on scaling the model across more states, deepening data transparency and continuing to strengthen partnerships that drive faster, more coordinated care across the public sector.

To learn more about how Magellan Crisis Connect 360 is transforming crisis visit here.

Gifting presence: Making time for self-care

The holiday season often comes wrapped in ribbons of joy—but also tangled in stress, unrealistic expectations and exhaustion. This year, focus on reducing seasonal stressors and prioritizing wellbeing, connection and quality time.

Slow down and approach the holidays with more heart and less hustle, remembering that the most valuable gift you can give is your full, present self.

Self-care is essential, not selfish

Too often, we put ourselves last on the to-do list. But remember, your emotional wellbeing is the foundation for being able to truly show up for those you love. Here are five simple ways to nurture yourself each day:

1. Start each day with intention. Even 10 minutes of quiet can shift your energy.
2. Say no, gracefully. Boundaries are a beautiful act of self-respect.
3. Establish tech-free time. Be authentically there. Listen fully and laugh freely.
4. Move your body mindfully. Stretch. Walk. Breathe.
5. Rest unapologetically. Renewal comes through sleep, stillness and true downtime.

Choose peace over perfection

You don’t need a perfect dinner or fancy decorations to make the holidays special. Focus on connection, laughter and shared moments. Order takeout, wear comfy clothes and do what nourishes you, not what drains you. The holiday season can be joyful, but it can also bring stress. Here are some tips to help you enjoy a calmer, happier holiday:

• Be realistic about what you can accomplish. Don’t aim for perfection; simplify and downsize wherever possible.
• Avoid heavy debates. If someone brings up an uncomfortable topic, stay calm and politely change the subject.
• Try new traditions. If old holiday rituals feel burdensome, experiment with new ways to celebrate.
• Stay active. Physical activity is a strong stress reliever and helps burn extra holiday calories. Consider going for a walk before or after meals.
• Moderate alcohol consumption. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water, or choose non-alcoholic beverages.
• Take breaks during events. Step outside for a few minutes to reset if social situations feel stressful.

Working on emotional wellbeing

An important part of emotional wellbeing is being able to regulate our moods, thoughts, impulses and choices in
all kinds of situations. People with high emotional wellbeing actively manage their feelings when confronted with
change, uncertainty and even hardship.

To better control your emotions, try mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing. When you experience
upsetting emotions, remind yourself to calm down, breathe and think clearly. Don’t react until you feel like you have
your emotions under control.

In a season full of noise, choose presence. Give yourself permission to rest, breathe and just be, so you can show up fully for the ones who matter most. Take care of yourself this season. You deserve a stress-free holiday!

Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/2025-Holidays for more information and helpful resources.