Observed during the third full week of March (March 16-22), National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week aims to inspire dialogue and offer education about the science of drug use and addiction. A number of surprising facts illustrate the seriousness of the issue today.

• Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance and the third most common cause of death in the U.S. Although legal, alcohol kills over 95,150 Americans each year.
• Thirteen is the average age at which children experiment with drugs.
• An estimated 60% of poor work performance can be tied to drug or alcohol use.
• 138 million Americans age 12 and over drink alcohol, and 20.4% of them have an alcohol use disorder.
• Common reactions to substance use include needing to consume more to get the same effect; substance dependency; painful withdrawal symptoms; high blood pressure and stroke; problems with the liver and pancreas; development of certain cancers; loss of motivation; depression and anxiety.

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

Physical wellbeing: tips for maintaining a health body.

• Keep your physical wellbeing high on your priority list—it’s a foundation for thriving in all areas of life!
• Pay attention to how you feel and make adjustments as needed—rest when you’re tired and move when you’re restless.

On January 21, 2025, Dr. Annetta Davenport, a Certified Employee Assistance Professional and Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor, led an engaging 15-minute webinar designed to help participants restore balance and boost their overall wellbeing. This dynamic session, titled Reset Your Energy, offered practical insights into the importance of mental wellbeing, actionable strategies to improve outlook and simple techniques to rediscover positivity in daily life.

Whether you joined us live or are catching up now, this recap will highlight key takeaways from the session, empowering you to regain focus and approach each day with renewed energy and a positive mindset. Let’s dive into how small changes can lead to big transformations!

What is mental wellbeing and why does it matter?

Mental wellbeing is our sense of being present at any moment and is essential for thriving, not just surviving. Thriving supports growth, allowing us to expand our potential, adapt to change and live a meaningful life. Positive feelings like happiness, contentment and hope help us flourish, even when circumstances are challenging. Experts identify three components of mental wellbeing: emotional (our feelings and ability to manage them), psychological (values, sense of self and cognitive functioning), and social (our connections, relationships and sense of belonging). To nurture wellbeing, we can focus on nutrition, quality sleep and mental stimulation to support brain health while choosing positive approaches to challenges.

What are some ways to improve mental wellbeing and build resilience?

To enhance mental wellbeing, it is important to create a plan tailored to you. Start by monitoring your emotions, identifying patterns over time and expanding your emotional vocabulary to better understand your feelings. Next, prioritize regular social engagement—whether one-on-one or in groups—and focus on meaningful interactions by asking open-ended questions to deepen connections. Finally, support brain health through physical activities, mental exercises like puzzles or memory games and other practices that strengthen cognitive functioning. A deliberate approach to emotional awareness, social connection and mental stimulation can foster a balanced and thriving sense of well-being.

As we start a new year, many of us may feel the post-holiday slump or the “winter blues.” What are some simple strategies and techniques to help boost productivity and recharge during this time?

To combat the post-holiday slump or winter blues, one effective technique is using “I statements” to express emotions constructively. For example, saying, “I feel sad about missing the recital, but could you videotape it for me?” shares feelings, identifies their cause and invites social connection for support. Another approach is to focus on what’s working rather than dwelling on challenges. Redirect your energy to solutions and maintain a positive outlook by appreciating the resources and opportunities you already have. By shifting your mindset and engaging others, you can stay motivated and resilient.

What do you do when your natural disposition is that the glass is half empty?

If you tend to see the glass as half empty, forcing positivity isn’t the answer. Instead, start by acknowledging that your feelings are valid – it’s perfectly okay not to be naturally optimistic. Consider working with a counselor who can help you explore these feelings and develop strategies that feel authentic to you. A counselor can help you build skills to manage negative thoughts without pretending they do not exist. Small steps, like simply noticing one neutral thing each day (not even positive, just neutral), can be more helpful than trying to flip a switch to positivity. The goal is not to become a different person or to suddenly become optimistic – it is to develop tools that work for you while honoring who you are.

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

Spotlight Magellan allows coworkers to get to know one another by going beyond the surface level through facilitated discussions that delve into personal interests, experiences and aspirations. Through intentional engagement, Spotlight Magellan aims to cultivate a sense of community and camaraderie across our company, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and fulfilling remote workplace culture.

This month, we’re getting to know Dr. Samuel Pullen, chief medical officer for the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan. Dr. Pullen has been with Magellan since April 2024.

Continue reading to learn more about Dr. Pullen:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

We have such a tremendous opportunity here in Idaho to improve access to high quality mental health and substance use treatment and services. I feel fortunate to have such great colleagues and because of the scope of the work, no day really feels typical. There are activities I routinely participate in to support and advanceour work. I participate in utilization management rounds and residential care rounds. Residential care rounds are led by me where initial and concurrent cases are presented for children being considered for residential care. This has been a topic of particular importance in Idaho over the last several years. I also work closely with our quality team, along with our Medical Director, Dr. Jonathan Harland. Together, we review critical incidents and cases where there might be a quality-of-care concern. I spend the rest of a typical day meeting with our clinical team during our morning huddles, meeting with providers addressing various issues, meeting with the state and working with other members of our senior leadership to ensure the successful implementation of the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan.

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking. I also recently finished reading Fevers, Feuds and Diamonds by Dr. Paul Farmer.

Do you have a favorite recipe you love to make (or have made for you)?

I have sweet tooth, and my kids have really gotten into baking. I am usually asking them to save me some cookie dough.

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

Greece! My wife and I vacationed in Athens, Santorini and Mykonos. I would love to go to Africa one day and spend some time in Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya.

Who (dead or alive) inspires you and why?

Dr. Paul Farmer was (and still is) someone who inspired me. If you’ve ever watched the documentary Bending the Arc or read any of his books, it’s very hard not to come away inspired and also a feeling that we have an obligation to challenge the status quo and take action where we see a need.

Catch up on previous Spotlight Magellan articles to get to know your Magellan colleagues! Read all articles here.

With the start of a new year, it helps to assess not only your physical health but your mental wellbeing, too. Mental wellbeing serves as a foundation for all your activities, and it is important to get your thoughts and emotions pointed in a positive direction.

• Check in with yourself. If the recent holidays have left you feeling mentally conflicted or rattled, confide in a supportive loved one or a mental health professional. You are not alone!
• Get a gratitude start. While it is easier to spot the negative aspects of life, do not forget to make note of the great gifts you have each day—health, family, friendships, purpose, appreciation of nature and more.
• Ramp up self-care, particularly during stressful times. To unplug from stress, decrease your screen time, get outdoor exercise and spend time with loved ones.
• Take a trip. The bleak midwinter can sometimes be a drag. So, schedule a long weekend away where you take in new sights and sounds. This refreshment is great for your mental wellbeing!

Emotional wellbeing: Managing your emotions.

Your ability to handle daily life and major life events is heavily influenced by your emotional wellbeing. Thus, it is important to find ways to keep your emotions on as even a keel as possible. When confronted with uncertainty, know that you have been resilient before and can use the tools of resilience again to minimize your levels of stress and anxiety.

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

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, mental health has emerged as a critical public health concern. Suicide, now the 11^th leading cause of death in the United States, continues to be a major concern. After a brief decline in 2019 and 2020, suicide rates rose in 2021, with an average of 132 suicides per day—a 5% increase. The situation worsened in 2022, with an additional 3% increase, bringing the average to 135 suicides per day. By 2023, over 50,000 Americans died by suicide, marking the highest number on record. These concerning statistics underscore the importance of integrating targeted suicide prevention strategies into all behavioral health initiatives.

While Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and behavioral health benefits from commercial and public insurers provide support for individuals facing mental health challenges, these organizations can further strengthen suicide prevention efforts by implementing data-driven systems that proactively manage and mitigate suicide risk, including:

• Early identification—Preventing crises before they escalate is critical. Utilizing predictive analytics, organizations can identify early warning signs and intervene promptly.
• Ongoing assessment—Continuous mental health monitoring allows care to be adjusted and personalized as needs evolve.
• Proactive outreach—At-risk individuals often don’t seek help on their own. Through population engagement tactics, such as targeted emails, app notifications and direct outreach by care managers trained in suicide prevention, organizations can ensure timely support reaches those in need.
• 24/7 supportive care—Round-the clock access to support is vital for effective suicide prevention. On-demand resources like digital tools for mental health and wellbeing, educational materials, safety plans, hotlines, crisis text lines and direct connections to mental health professionals provide individuals with the help they need, whenever they need it.
• Specialized care management—Licensed clinicians trained in mental health services and evidence-based practices have the expertise to deliver essential support to at-risk individuals, including designing individualized care plans to enhance protective factors, such as building social support networks and improving problem-solving skills and using ongoing remote monitoring to adjust and personalize interventions as needs evolve.
• Sub-specialty networks—Access to clinicians specializing in mental health conditions ensures at-risk individuals receive the focused care they need. Also, subspecialty medical clinics and primary care providers should screen for mental health conditions. Some physical health conditions (e.g., traumatic brain injury and cancer), can carry a risk of suicide.
• Outcomes and data-driven approach—Using data to measure the effectiveness of suicide prevention programs allows organizations to continuously refine their strategies, ensure efficient use of resources and better target interventions.

Integrating data-driven targeted suicide prevention and risk management strategies can significantly enhance the effectiveness of EAP programs and behavioral health benefits provided by private and public insurers. Early detection of warning signs and timely interventions can reduce the risk of suicide, save lives and foster a healthier, more resilient society.

Learn how Magellan Healthcare’s data-driven approach is helping organizations safeguard lives here.

Sources:

• CDC
• CDC
• NBC News

Activities for Educators and Parents

Children consistently learn and develop new and increasingly complex cognitive skills throughout early childhood. During this period, it is not practical to use a one-and-done approach to learning and skill building. Like an athlete or artist, when it comes to social and emotional learning, children need to practice and fine-tune these skills inside and outside of school to gain mastery. It is important to remember that some children understand a skill or concept quickly while others may need additional practice before gaining mastery of those same skills or concepts.

In her book Play Therapy Activities, Melissa LaVigne, LCSW, offers 101 social and emotional learning activities for children between the ages of three and nine. The activities provided below are examples from the book that can be used in individual or group sessions. They can also serve as great suggestions to educators to use within the classroom and for family members to use at home with children.

Worry Jar

This activity is used to address feelings of anxiety or uncertainty a child may have.

• Materials needed: jar with lid, post-its, and a pen/pencil
• Directions: When a child has a worry, concern, or anxious feeling, invite the child to write it down on a post-it and place it in the jar. Explain they do not need to share it, confirm that everyone worries at times, and also talk about other ways to manage the feelings of being worried. For younger kids who do not yet write or spell, offer to write down the worry for them if they want. Once written, hand the paper back to them so they can put it in the jar.

Felt Feeling Faces

An emotional intelligence activity, this helps children think about and understand how feelings present on someone’s face.

• Materials needed: oval-shaped felt paper to represent faces, felt paper in an array of colors, and scissors (optional: glue stick to make permanent feeling faces)
• Directions: Instruct children to cut out the shapes of eyes and mouths expressing emotions such as happy, sad, mad, etc. If needed, have children use a hand mirror to see the shapes their own faces make with different facial expressions. Once cut, have the children use the oval-shaped pieces of felt with the eyes and mouth to create “feeling faces”. Have the children guess what feeling each face is making and discuss what they can do when they see someone feeling that way. Note: Pre-cut out these shapes for children too young to safely use scissors.

Feelings Play List

This activity draws on the emotional connection of music to help children identify feelings or remember fond memories.

• Materials needed: access to a music streaming device or an audio search device (e.g., Alexa)
• Directions: Begin a group discussion by asking the children to name feelings they want to talk about. If possible, encourage a balance between positive and negative feelings. Ask the children if they can think of songs they like that match a feeling. If possible, listen to the song or look up the words in the song. Ask the children why the song matches a certain feeling for them. For an added activity, make a playlist of songs that match positive feelings such as happy or calm. The song names can be written down and shared so families can make their own playlists.

Bubble Tag

This breathing and impulse control activity can be modified to accommodate individual or group work.

• Materials needed: bubble wand and bubble solution
• Directions: Introduce this activity by explaining how breath control can be used to create a sense of calm and discus how deep and steady breathing makes good bubbles. Use a bubble wand to take turns blowing bubbles while the child tries to pop the bubbles before they hit the ground. For group sessions, have one member blow the bubble while another pops it, or consider splitting the group into teams. During the bubble-blowing exercise, ask the child (or group) to think about what will make more or bigger bubbles and ask them to experiment with their breath to find out. Use positive praise when the child uses good breath control, model breath control if needed, and talk about how breathing can help manage feelings.

Enjoying the Classics

Games like red light green light, freeze dance, musical chairs, and duck-duck-goose provide children an opportunity to connect their mind to their body by listening and then acting on what they heard. This can help with building better self-regulation skills as well as their overall emotional intelligence.

References: LaVigne, M. (2020). Play therapy activities: 101 Play-Based exercises to improve behavior and strengthen the Parent-Child connection. Rockridge Press.

World Schizophrenia Awareness Day is a vital reminder of the profound impact this complex mental health condition has on individuals and families worldwide. This day offers a platform to challenge stigmas, dispel myths, and advocate for greater understanding and support for those affected by schizophrenia. By acknowledging World Schizophrenia Awareness Day, we’re highlighting the need for improved access to mental health resources and service and taking a crucial step towards fostering inclusive communities and promoting mental well-being. Magellan Health’s Lyle Forehand, MD, is board certified in psychiatry and forensic psychiatry. Dr. Forehand shares his thoughts on the importance of recognizing World Schizophrenia Day, and what available resources there are to support the mental health of individuals living with schizophrenia.

What is some information about schizophrenia that people may not know?

Schizophrenia is a very serious, lifelong condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It shows up differently in different people, but it is almost always associated with decreased insight into what is, or is not, real. Usually starting between ages 16 and 30-years-old, individuals tend to respond better to earlier treatment. However, people who suffer with these symptoms are often very unwilling to share their scary, and often bizarre, experiences with others. That slows down, or even prevents, getting treatment. Many also have a neurological condition called anosognosia, that blocks their ability to know they are ill or need treatment.

Why is it important to recognize World Schizophrenia Day?

World Schizophrenia Awareness Day is celebrated every May 24th, in honor of the day in 1792 that Dr. Phillipe Pinel started releasing psychiatric patients from the chains that bound them at the Bicệtre Hospital outside Paris.  Many of his patients had been chained for 30 – 40 years!  Our hope, in recognizing this day, is that the stigma of schizophrenia (and of mental disorders in general) will lessen. More people will be able to live with dignity and with access to the same level of care as individuals without schizophrenia.

What are some available resources for individuals with schizophrenia?

Information is helpful in managing most difficulties. For schizophrenia, which is often quite scary to those who suffer from the condition and to those who love them, this is even more important.  NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has been a source of information and support since 1979.  The Treatment Advocacy Center, founded in 1998, has been controversial because of its advocacy for forced treatment of some people with schizophrenia, but it remains a great information resource as well as a vigorous advocate of legal changes that could enhance treatment.

Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment.  That treatment should include some amount of medication.  Not all psychiatrists are comfortable prescribing these medicines, but many are willing to work with schizophrenic patients until a regimen can be found that works well for them.  These regimens often change over time, or in response to fluctuations in stress, or symptoms, or both.  A good relationship with a consistent provider is very important.  A relationship with a full-service team is even better.  This team can provide some combination of psychotherapy, social skills training, vocational rehabilitation, supported housing, and supported employment.

What are some ways that individuals with schizophrenia can take care of their mental health while navigating this condition?

Just as everyone else does, people with schizophrenia have some amount of stress (not just from their disorder!) and some amount of resilience (the ability to “bounce back” from difficulties).  Resilience is a skill that all of us can improve. The four steps are: making positive lifestyle choices, forming positive social relationships, having a sense of meaning and/or purpose, and the practice of mindfulness/meditation (even just three minutes a day).

National Volunteer Month serves as a pivotal reminder of the invaluable contributions volunteers make to communities nationwide. Throughout April, we’re celebrating the selflessness, dedication, and impact of those who generously give their time, skills, and resources to support the causes and organizations they believe in. National Volunteer Month not only honors those individuals who devote themselves to volunteerism, but also inspire others to join in and find a cause they’re passionate about. Talia Hammer, manager, network development, OCONUS MFLC/PFC, is an active volunteer with Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support. Talia was also the first-place recipient of the Barry Smith Caring Award and was awarded a $5,000 donation for Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss, an organization that has significant meaning to Talia. Continue reading to learn more about the volunteer work Talia does with Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss:

What volunteer work do you participate in and for what organizations?

I am currently very active in volunteering with Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support to help parents who have experienced the heartache of a pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or infant death. I became a trained Parent Companion and co-facilitate grief support groups offering peer support to other bereaved families. I served on the Parent Panel and was filmed telling my story at a Sharing and Caring Training to trained professionals in the community to learn how to serve families at their time of loss. I became Share’s first Social Media Ambassador to increase awareness about Share and baby loss through personal advocacy on Facebook and Instagram. I volunteer with an open heart and generosity of my time serving on event planning committees, help with the annual walk, plan, and volunteer at fundraisers. I am the Secretary of the Social Board and attend every Share event and I organize a donation drive yearly on my daughter’s birthday to give items to the Share office in honor of her.

How did you get involved with this organization and volunteering in general? How long have you been volunteering?

In November 2016, our daughter was born at 32 weeks gestation and lived for 35 minutes as she was born with no kidneys. After the loss of my daughter, I turned to Share for help with my grief. Two years later, I decided I wanted to give back to other grieving parents. I have been volunteering with Share for the past 5 years. Volunteering with Share is how I keep my daughter’s memory alive.

Why is it important for others to volunteer in their communities?

It is important for others to volunteer in their community as there are many non-profit organizations that depend on volunteers to help the organization operate daily and to give back to the community in need. With the wide range of organizations that need volunteers, I believe there is something out there for everyone to volunteer and to give their time.  Find the organization or organizations that is closest to your heart and donate your time to them as they will forever be thankful for all the help they receive. When you find commonality with others who have experienced what you have, volunteering will come so easily.

Is there anything else about what National Volunteer Week you’d like to highlight (could also highlight specific organization)?

In 2023, I received the Heart and Hands volunteer of the year award from Share. Statistics show that 1 in 4 families experience pregnancy/infant loss and I’m honored to partner with Share to help bereaved parents find hope and healing, all while honoring my daughter’s life. I feel very luck to work for Magellan who also gives us Volunteer Time Off (VTO) hours to be able to help our community. I appreciate the opportunities Magellan offers to us to help make the world a better place.