Mental health plays a crucial role in every aspect of life: work, relationships, physical health and overall wellbeing. Mental health screenings are a simple and effective way to check in on how you’re feeling and identify whether symptoms of conditions like depression or anxiety might be present. A mental health screening is a brief questionnaire designed to spot signs of potential concerns. It’s not a diagnosis, but it can help you or a loved one decide if it’s time to reach out for professional support.

Why screen?

• Depression and other mental health issues can affect anyone regardless of age, background or lifestyle.
• Screenings can catch early signs before symptoms become more serious.
• Early support can lead to better outcomes and prevent long-term impacts.
• Treatment can improve daily functioning and quality of life at work, school and home.

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

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 

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

This month, we’re getting to know Jessie French Danzi, human resources business consultant. Jessie has been with Magellan since 2014.

Continue reading to learn more about Jessie:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

On a typical work day, I wake up early and take a few minutes for myself to meditate. Then I start getting ready for the day by checking my schedule for work and activities. I get breakfast ready for my eight and 10-year-old children and myself, my oldest loves to help me. We finish packing lunches and school bags and I drop them off, and then I usually go to the gym. When I get back I get myself ready to start meetings, which is what most of my work day entails. I consider myself very lucky to have great business partners that I enjoy working with. We come up with strategies to support their work and teams, consult on all kinds of human resources (HR) matters and find solutions to challenges. After work I begin my taxi driver service for my kids, taking them to all of their activities. I’m the cheerleading coach, the Girl Scout leader and I’m on the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) board so some of them are my activities, too! Then we have dinner and wind down to get to bed, and then start all over the next day!

What are you currently reading?

I don’t watch much television, but I read a lot. I am in the process of re-reading everything by Tom Robbins, currently on my favorite of his “Jitterbug Perfume” but others may know him from “Still Life with Woodpecker” or “Even Cowgirls get the Blues.” I haven’t read a book by him that I didn’t love!

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

I really enjoy cooking, especially on the weekends. I make really good meatballs and sauce (five stars from my local Long Island family) which my kids ask for weekly. We like it with a side of pasta, garlic bread and sauteed broccoli. The secret to my sauce is starting it really early in the day and letting everything slowly come together. We don’t rush it, but we do like to check in with some bread dipping throughout the day! My daughters also enjoy cooking so we are always trying new recipes and combinations of things. I have Celiac disease, so cooking at home is usually the best option, and we like to challenge ourselves to make gluten-free food that tastes the same as the gluten version.

What’s your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

On the weekends I love to go on adventures! I live on Long Island so there are lots of outdoor options in the summer like gardening, beaches, boat rides, nature preserves and pools. We are not very far from New York City so we also love to venture into the city to check out museums, Broadway shows and baseball games!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Find joy in everything you choose to do. Every job, relationship, home…it’s your responsibility to love it or change it.”  That’s a quote by author Chuck Palahniuk, but I’ve received that advice repeatedly in some form or another throughout my life. When I reflect on that, I think it helps to ground me in my immediate reality, and being in the moment is where I find the most joy. Present-moment awareness gives us the tools to move through many challenges without being caught in the past or future, neither of which we have control over.

On July 29, 2025, Kimberly Elias, a National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Partnership Executive at Magellan Health, led a 15-minute webinar titled Improve Your Self-Esteem. Whether you joined us live or are just catching up now, this recap highlights the key takeaways from her thoughtful discussion. 

How do you define self-esteem, and why is it so important in daily life?
Self-esteem is an individual’s overall evaluation of their own worth and value as a person. It’s a core part of who we are and often takes root in childhood. While it’s deeply ingrained, it’s not necessarily fixed and can shift depending on the life events and circumstances we experience. 

Having healthy self-esteem is important because it affects our overall quality of life. When our self-esteem is low, it can hold us back from pursuing goals, taking risks or fully enjoying life. It can create a constant inner dialogue of self-doubt that limits our potential. 

What’s the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence?  

Self-confidence is more about believing in your ability to accomplish a specific task or succeed in a particular situation. Self-esteem is your overall sense of self-worth. 

For example, someone might feel very confident in the kitchen. They can follow a recipe, prepare a healthy meal and serve it to their family with ease. But when they receive compliments for that meal, they might struggle to accept them. Deep down, they may not feel worthy of the praise or even worthy of enjoying the meal themselves. That’s low self-esteem, despite high confidence in a particular skill. 

The reverse is also true. A person can have healthy self-esteem but still lack confidence when trying something new or unfamiliar.  

What does low self-esteem look like in someone’s day-to-day life? 

Someone who’s struggling with low self-esteem will often experience persistent negative self-talk. This internal dialogue can be overly critical and, at times, excessive. People with low self-esteem often engage in people-pleasing, have a hard time trusting their own decisions and struggle to advocate for themselves. They tend to compare themselves to others constantly, which reinforces feelings of inadequacy. Setting healthy boundaries can also be a major challenge. 

What does healthy self-esteem look and feel like in action? 

Healthy self-esteem is rooted in an internal sense of worth, not external achievements or opinions. A person with healthy self-esteem doesn’t define themselves by what’s happening around them. 

Take the example of someone training for a marathon. Let’s say they didn’t hit the time they were aiming for. Instead of seeing that as a personal failure or a reflection of their worth, they’re still able to view themselves in a positive light. They recognize the effort they put in, celebrate the progress they made and maintain their sense of self-worth regardless of the outcome. 

People with healthy self-esteem believe they have value simply because they exist, not because they checked a box, earned an award or met someone else’s expectations. That belief empowers them to take on challenges, bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward without letting self-doubt take over. 

What are some simple tools and strategies someone can use to build stronger self-esteem? 

If you’re struggling with low self-esteem, there are several practical things you can try to start rebuilding that inner sense of value. 

Get Out of Your Head and Into the World
People with low self-esteem often get stuck in their heads, cycling through negative thoughts. One of the best antidotes to that mental chatter is action, especially helping others. Volunteering for a cause you care about, helping a neighbor or spending time at an animal shelter can help you feel purposeful and valued. And in giving your time or skills to someone else, you’re also showing yourself that you matter. 

Limit Social Media Intake
If you find yourself constantly scrolling and feeling worse about yourself afterward, it might be time for a digital detox. Try reducing the time you spend on social media or even taking a break altogether. Many people report a boost in self-worth and clarity once they’re no longer comparing themselves to the highlight reels of others. 

Use Affirmations with Action
Affirmations can be powerful, but only when backed by real behavior. Simply repeating “I am a healthy person” won’t move the needle unless you follow it up with choices that reinforce that belief. 

For example: 

• Affirmation: I am a healthy person. 

• Supporting behaviors: 
  • Go for a 20-minute walk daily
  • Replace soda with water
  • Meditate five days a week

Commit to reinforcing your affirmation with action for 30 days. You’ll start to notice meaningful changes not just in how you feel, but how you show up. 

Reflect Daily on What You Did Well
Take a few minutes each evening to write down two or three things you did well. This simple habit trains your brain to recognize your strengths and efforts, which boosts self-esteem over time. 

Remove Barriers That Undermine Your Self-Worth
Sometimes, improving self-esteem isn’t just about what you do, it’s also about what you stop doing. If there are toxic relationships, excessive drinking or unhealthy environments holding you back, begin taking steps to distance yourself from them.

Try Mental Check-Ins Throughout the Day
Here’s how it works: 

• Set an alarm to go off every 2–3 hours during your day. 

• When it rings, pause and ask yourself: 
  • What have I been thinking about?
  • What’s the quality of those thoughts? Are they helpful or hurtful?
  • How am I feeling emotionally and physically right now?
  • What do I need in this moment?

Maybe it’s a glass of water, a five-minute break in the sun or simply a deep breath. This practice builds self-awareness, helps reframe negative thoughts and encourages self-care in real time. 

Building self-esteem isn’t about becoming someone different, it’s about remembering who you are underneath the noise of self-doubt, comparison and outside expectations. It’s a lifelong process of learning to value yourself, advocate for your needs and show up with self-compassion, even on the hard days. 

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

As summer winds down, it’s time to gear up for the school year ahead. Here are some tried-and-true tips to make the transition smoother for both kids and parents:

• Start easing into the school routine early—adjust bedtimes gradually a week or two before the first day.
• If your child is starting at a new school, schedule a tour to help them feel more comfortable in the new environment.
• For nervous kids, share encouraging stories (even your own!) about overcoming back-to-school jitters.
• Keep everyone on track with a visible family calendar in a common space like the kitchen.
• Fuel focus and energy with a healthy breakfast that includes protein.
• Set up a consistent, distraction-free space at home for homework and study time.

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

Working on Career Wellbeing

Career wellbeing means doing meaningful work that fits your strengths and feeling supported while doing it. But even high achievers can struggle with imposter syndrome. If self-doubt creeps in:

• Focus on facts, not fear. Track your wins and revisit positive feedback.
• Talk to a mentor or peer for perspective.
• Remember: your work matters, and so do you.

Confidence grows when you align with purpose and recognize your progress.

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

This month, we’re getting to know Rebekah Hardin, director, employer strategy & vendor management. Rebekah has been with Magellan since June 2021.

Continue reading to learn more about Rebekah:

Describe a typical workday in your life.

A typical workday for me involves working closely with our employee assistant program (EAP) vendor partners and acting as a liaison between the vendors and internal teams. I really enjoy getting to collaborate with so many different teams and diving into problem solving! Whether it’s addressing immediate issues that impact our customers and members or finding long-term solutions, it’s a good mix of challenge and reward. I also support the employer monthly operations report and our all-hands meetings, where I enjoy bringing a little fun each month with new themes, people celebrations, spotlights and maybe some random trivia.

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

I have three kids under the age of five-years-old, so I like to say that I’m on an episode of “Chopped.” Every night is a new challenge of putting together a well-rounded, delicious meal in under 30 minutes with the ingredients I already have and for the strongest critics (toddlers)!

In one word, how would your family and friends describe you?

Adventurous! I’m always up for a good adventure!

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

I’ve been very fortunate to travel to over 50 countries so far! My favorite destinations are in South America: Patagonia, Easter Island, Galapagos Islands and Buenos Aires. I’d love to return with my kids to see these places through their eyes.

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

We have three dogs with eclectic personalities. Pepperoni (Heeler/Aussie mix), George Barkington (Heeler/Pitt Mix) and Hank (Heeler/Pitt/Lab mix). Pepperoni is our bossy old lady, George is our cranky, comfort-loving middle-aged guy, and Hank is our enthusiastic, animal chasing, lovable pup.

What is your self-care routine after the work week/ favorite ways to unwind after work?

I love to get outside and work in my garden to unwind. There’s something super relaxing about digging in the dirt, yanking out some weeds, moving and arranging my flower beds and just being surrounded by green. It’s my happy place and totally clears my head and makes me feel refreshed. Plus, watching plants grow is kind of magical!

What is your favorite family or cultural tradition you’d like to share with others?

Almost every Christmas since before I was born, my extended family has done a live re-enactment of the Nativity. Some years, we had specific themes (for example, “the three caballeros” instead of the three wise men). New family members play “Baby Jesus,” and the costumes continue to evolve a little bit every year. We’ve now continued this tradition with my kids and nieces and nephews using many of the same costumes such as Burger King crowns, tinsel angel halos and shepherds’ robes all used from the last 40+ years!