Although 21% of U.S. adults have a mental illness, access to behavioral healthcare remains out of reach for most. From 2008 to 2019, the number of adults with any mental illness increased nearly 30%. The pandemic further exacerbated mental health problems for adults and sparked an expanding youth mental health crisis. As the demand for behavioral healthcare continues to grow, Magellan Healthcare recognizes the need to increase access.

Increasing Access to Evidence-based Care

Magellan has collaborated with NeuroFlow, an award-winning behavioral health technology company, to increase access to our evidence-based digital cognitive behavioral therapy (DCBT) programs and enhance engagement. With a history of over 20 years of research and development and an endorsement from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Magellan’s DCBT programs are integral components of our Digital Emotional Wellbeing program, including FearFighter® for anxiety, panic and phobia and MoodCalmer for depression. Both programs, as well as RESTORE® for insomnia and other difficulties sleeping, are available online in Spanish, further increasing access to evidence-based programs.

Understanding Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term intervention that behavioral health clinicians use to help individuals overcome negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT is effective for depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective in certain conditions as other forms of therapy or psychiatric medications. Digital CBT (DCBT) is the implementation of CBT on a digital platform with the same core principles, language and exercises used in live practice that include:

• Learning to recognize thought distortions
• Evaluating distortions against reality
• Gaining a better understanding of others’ behavior and motivations
• Using problem-solving skills
• Developing a greater confidence in one’s own abilities
• Changing behavioral patterns
• Developing coping skills

True evidence-based DCBT follows the exact CBT process, differing from evidence-informed digital programs that use some CBT practices but are not built with fidelity to the intervention model. Learn more about evidence-based vs. evidence-informed behavioral health interventions here.

Impact of FearFighter and MoodCalmer on Mental Health

Our collaboration with NeuroFlow has yielded remarkable outcomes that underscore the power of innovative partnerships. In a recent study, members participating in the Digital Emotional Wellbeing program who completed 75% or more of FearFighter and MoodCalmer reported significant reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms within 90 days.

• FearFighter users experienced a 41% average reduction in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) scores, compared to other DCBT users who averaged an 11% reduction in GAD-7 scores.
• MoodCalmer users experienced a 24% average reduction in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores, compared to an average 13% reduction among those who completed less of the program.

Beyond these impressive results, Magellan has seen a 124% increase in registrations after launching Digital Emotional Wellbeing over previous programs. Members also report high levels of satisfaction with the Digital Emotional Wellbeing program with 85% indicating they would recommend the program to someone else.

Visit Magellanhealthcare.com/digital-bh/ to learn more about the results and how our Digital Emotional Wellbeing program, including our award-winning DCBT programs improve anxiety, depression and more.

Sources:

• Exploring Barriers to Mental Health Care in the U.S. | AAMC
• What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? (apa.org)
• Satiani A, Niedermier J, Satiani B, Svendsen DP. Projected Workforce of Psychiatrists in the United States: A Population Analysis. Psychiatr Serv. 2018 Jun 1;69(6):710-713. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.201700344. Epub 2018 Mar 15. PMID: 29540118.

FearFighter® and MoodCalmer are owned by CCBT Limited Corporation, United Kingdom. CCBT has granted Magellan exclusive rights to FearFighter® and MoodCalmer in the U.S.

Many of us can now say we have experienced the trials and tribulations of parenting during a pandemic. We have attempted to juggle full-time work and regular household duties, along with being a full-time teacher or daycare worker and entertainer for our kids. While we’re all doing the best we can in taking on these new and challenging roles, some parents and caregivers may be wondering about their child’s mental health after they have missed out on so much and dealt with new stress and uncertainty – certainly as many of us know that our own mental health has been affected.

If you’re worried about your child’s mental health or noticing any issues, read on for tips and knowledge shared by Magellan’s Linda Y. Evans, MD, FAPA, child psychiatrist and medical director, and Greg Dicharry, CPRP, youth empowerment director.

Children behavior changes

Changes in your child’s behavior may be a sign of mental health difficulties that should be closely monitored. Depending on the age of your child, stress can manifest in different ways. Toddlers and young children aged 2-6, may show signs of regression and lose the ability to do things previously learned, like toilet training. School-aged children and teenagers may show a disinterest in going to school and/or begin to see falling grades. The most common symptom in teenagers is irritable mood. Kids of all ages may experience vague body complaints, like a headache or belly ache, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, loss of pleasure in activities previously enjoyed, and withdrawal from social interactions.

Often, even the child may not recognize these symptoms as the result of mental health issues. It is important for parents and caregivers to be a barometer for behavioral or other changes in their children – as they may be the first to notice – to be able to identify if their mental health may be suffering. When parents keep the lines of communication open, allowing their kids to share their thoughts and feelings, they are better equipped to identify any troubling signs of childhood depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.

The child’s primary care physician (PCP) also plays a role in screening for mental health concerns and can be a good first point of contact if parents are seeking additional help. With the shortage of child psychiatrists and mental health professionals trained to work with children in our country, PCPs are increasingly adopting a model of collaborative, or whole-person, care to screen and treat children for mental health issues before they get worse because of potentially waiting long periods to see a specialist.

Interrupted school and family routines

While there’s not much we can do about changing work, school and social arrangements due to the pandemic, it’s important to consider the stability of our kids’ environment and instill predictability in their lives to the extent that’s possible.

Additionally, there are many things that parents and caregivers can do to keep their kids content and engaged amid the chaos and unprecedented change we’re all experiencing. To make up for lost in-person social time with friends and family, virtual meetups can be scheduled. That could be a fifteen-minute Facetime call with grandma and grandpa every Wednesday night at 7:00, or a periodic Zoom/interactive video game gathering with friends. Parents can also take time with their kids away from the screens to play a board game or do a project to make home-time more fun. Exploring and supporting your kids’ passions is a way to get them involved in activities that will bridge the gaps of interrupted routines and help prevent negative mental health outcomes.

Family stress affecting children

We have all been affected by the drastic changes, uncertainty, loss and isolation caused by COVID-19. And it’s not hard for our own stress and worry to be noticed or even absorbed to some extent by our kids. While we’re focusing on our family’s well-being, it’s important to practice self-care and recognize that our own mental health is of paramount importance. Having healthy caregivers is an essential component in the normal development of kids.

When parents are navigating divorce and co-parenting arrangements during COVID-19, it can be even more difficult to filter out the negativity for our kids, especially when parents have different points of view about things like in-person vs. virtual learning, the vaccine and mask wearing. Although it can be difficult to share your kids with an ex-spouse, it’s important to remember they need both of their parents. When parents work together for the benefit of their children and keep the focus on them, the impacts of divorce can be mitigated. Implementing a flexible custody arrangement during COVID-19 is also encouraged; for example, if the child wants to see a parent when it’s not their day for visitation, it might be beneficial to the child to honor their request.

To alleviate stress and some of the burden, parents and caregivers can consider connecting with others who understand the struggles and support each other. They can look for parent support groups in their communities.

Back to school and bullying

For kids who experience any level of social anxiety, the transition back to school, or even a new school, from the comfort of home may be more difficult. While some kids may be happy to get right back to the in-person learning environment, a gradual adjustment may work better for others.

Teachers can be especially helpful in ensuring that children are adjusting well and that a child withdrawing from the group is noticed. When the teacher has a trusting relationship with students, they can initiate conversations to try to understand how a child is doing and if their emotional needs are being met. The teacher’s insights are critical for parents and caregivers who cannot be with their kids at school.

Parents and teachers should be especially sensitive to look for bullying and have a zero-tolerance policy for kids being cruel to one another. Children must understand that bullying is unacceptable, as it can lead to serious and disastrous consequences for those who are targeted.

In general, what kids need for healthy development is a stable routine, predictability, a safe environment and healthy parents or caregivers. COVID-19 has disrupted all of these conditions, leading to increased mental health disorders and interrupted development. There are many things that parents and caregivers can do to nurture their child’s mental health and address what they need for healthy development. We encourage you to explore Magellan’s following resources for additional information and support:

• Mental Health Month website for comprehensive tips and resources to support yours and your family’s mental health.
  • Be sure to check out the recording of our webinar, How are your kids doing? under “Previous events”
• Understanding and Meeting the Needs of Children and Adolescents at High Risk: Foundations of a Model clinical monograph highlighting evidence-based research on the prevention and treatment of problematic behaviors and various types of behavioral health challenges in children and adolescents.
• Stay Home for MY LIFE virtual youth fest, featuring inspirational speakers, uplifting entertainment, fun activities and more, taking place on the 4^th Thursday of each month, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. ET, for youth and young adults who have experience with mental health, substance use, juvenile justice and foster-care-related issues, as well as professionals and caregivers across the country.

By: Linda Y. Evans and Greg Dicharry

Before the COVID-19 pandemic started wreaking havoc on various aspects of our “normal” lives, including our mental health, 1 in 6 children aged 2-8 years in the United States was diagnosed with a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder.[1] While these children have endured the impacts of drastic changes over the past year, so too have others who did not previously have a mental health diagnosis; some children have been newly diagnosed with a mental health condition as a result of COVID-19. When considering how to nurture the mental health of our children during a pandemic, we must understand their pre-pandemic mental state and monitor how they are coping.

Children diagnosed with a mental health condition before COVID-19

For children who experienced mental health challenges before COVID-19, the pandemic may have imposed new complications. In many cases, before COVID-19, families practiced a routine in their daily lives, which helped everyone manage their feelings and behaviors. When routines changed – kids were no longer going to school, adults were working from home, or not at all, and in-person interactions with friends, extended family, and even doctors were cut off – that familiarity and rhythm, and the associated therapeutic effects, were lost. Another part of the pre-pandemic routine for many children with a mental health diagnosis was the special help received by trained teachers and therapists in schools. While this support could be a vital lifeline, it was completely cut off for the kids who depended on it. Other treatment options, through primary care and other outpatient settings, also dwindled due to office closures caused by COVID-19. As a result, an increasing number of children were seen for mental health-related care in emergency departments (EDs). From mid-March to October 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an increase in the proportion of mental health-related ED visits among children aged 5-11 years (24%) and 12-17 years (31%) compared with the same period in 2019.[2]

Serious mental health impacts for children as a result of COVID-19

Children and youth who started off 2020 without a mental health diagnosis may not have ended the year in the same way, as newly developed depression and other mental health conditions were caused by the pandemic. A CDC report on mental health, substance use, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that while 11% of adults seriously contemplated suicide in June 2020, the same was disproportionately reported by young people aged 18 to 24 (26%).[3] The serious effects on younger children include delays in social and emotional development, as their brains are forming amidst irregular human activity. In some cases, when parents weren’t adjusting or handling the increased stress and uncertainty well, maltreatment in the form of child neglect or abuse has resulted.

Negative mental health consequences of COVID-19 for all children

Because of COVID-19, all children are coping with unprecedented change and loss. Children feel the family stress of economic hardships, health concerns, social isolation, exhaustion, bereavement, and worsening mental health and substance use. And children have stressors of their own. When healthy outlets, like school, sports, and social engagements, are lost, that energy may become more negative and unproductive. The impacts of missed once-in-a-lifetime childhood events, like birthdays, graduations, and family vacations, may not even be fully realized until later in life. Children and youth may also experience their own anxiety and stress about what the future looks like.

The state of mental healthcare for children

There have always been barriers for children to access mental healthcare. Among them are stigma, availability, misinformation, and lack of information. While these factors impact access to care for adults, as well, they may be more pronounced for children. Parents are afraid or do not want to accept that their child is affected by a mental illness. There is a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists and therapists trained to work with children in our country. In addition, many parents and caregivers are misinformed about child psychiatric services that are meant to improve a child’s mental state, and not necessarily their behavior, although the latter may be a secondary effect.

With the pandemic, parents may be so preoccupied that they cannot see potential conditions in their children. The advent of a pandemic has stretched an already thin system of specialized mental healthcare for children at a time when it may be needed the most. And misinformation continues to plague our news sources and social media.

Where to go from here

There are many things that parents and caregivers can do to support and nurture their child’s mental health. We encourage you to learn more in a recording of the webinar, “How are your kids doing?” where I was joined by Greg Dicharry, CPRP, youth empowerment director, to share knowledge and our years of experience working with children to improve mental health and wellness and answer audience questions.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/data.html

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6945a3.htm

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm

Anxiety is a normal response to a constant barrage of bad news. Headlines and notifications related to recent events are taking their toll on mental health in what some call “headline stress disorder.”

While this is not a medical diagnosis, the continued anxiety or stress from headlines may cause things like heart palpitations and chest tightness or insomnia. Further progression may lead to physical and mental conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, endocrine disorders or hypertension.¹ The combination of civil unrest, political instability and COVID-19, and the resulting economic uncertainty, has led to an increase in stress and anxiety in society. Both adults and children may struggle to process their feelings and maintain a sense of normalcy.

Here are some tips to help you understand and manage your fears, how to help children deal with traumatic events and how to know when you or someone close might need help.

Understanding the emotional and physical reactions to traumatic events

Emotional reactions

When the initial shock of a traumatic event subsides, normal emotional responses in the hours and days that follow may come in waves and at unpredictable times. These responses include:

• Fear and anxiety
• Sadness and depression
• Guilt, shame or despair
• Anger and irritability
• Emotional numbness
• Feelings of separation from others

Physical reactions

Physical reactions are the result of stress hormones flooding the nervous system. Common physical symptoms include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Headache, abdominal pain or other physical pain
• Racing heart
• Dizziness or fainting
• Change of appetite

How to help yourself

• Take care of yourself first. Eat healthy foods, get enough rest and exercise regularly. Physical activity can reduce anxiety and promote well-being.
• Talk to people you trust about your concerns. A supportive network is important for emotional health.
• Take time for hobbies and fun activities or find interesting volunteer activities. This can be a healthy distraction from everyday stress.
• Limit your exposure to disruptive TV, radio and social media coverage.
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.

How to help children cope with traumatic events

• Be aware of your own reactions to the event and manage your own stress. Stay calm and offer hugs and reassurance to restore your child’s sense of safety and security.
• Share information about the event and answer your child’s questions honestly. Listen to your child’s fears and let them know that it is okay to share their feelings at any time.
• Restrict or prevent contact with disturbing news and social media coverage of the event. Children who see graphic images or hear disturbing news can be re-traumatized.
• Maintain as many stable routines as possible, including regular meals, bedtimes and exercise.
• Engage in fun activities to help the children relax and get the feeling that life is back to normal.
• Watch for signs of trauma, even after weeks have passed. Children, like adults, cope with trauma in different ways, and may show signs of sadness, anxiety or disruptive behavior weeks or months after the event.

Know when to get help

• Common signs that you or your child may need professional help can include: excessive worrying or fear, extreme mood swings, avoidance of friends, difficulty understanding or relating to other people, changes in eating and sleeping habits and inability to engage in daily activities or deal with daily problems and stress.
• If you are suffering from stress reactions that affect your ability to lead a normal life for six weeks or more, you may need help from a mental health professional. While everyone is different and heals at their own pace, some people develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after a traumatic event.
• Signs of PTSD include: disturbing memories, nightmares or flashbacks, suicidal thoughts or feelings, disconnection from others, and trouble functioning at home and work. It is important to seek help if you think you might have symptoms of PTSD.

¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7104635/

As the new COVID-19 vaccine is being administered across the country, many people are feeling a mix of emotions. There is hope that the vaccine will normalize life and relief that the vaccine will save lives.  There is also anxiety about its potential side effects, long-term effectiveness and availability. For some, the stress and uncertainty caused by the pandemic are being exacerbated by vaccine concerns.

Vaccine safety

Although the two vaccines currently available were rapidly developed, they meet the safety and efficacy standards of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The data from the manufacturers and research from large clinical trials show that the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the risks of side effects and coronavirus infection. There are also other COVID-19 vaccines in development that must meet stringent safety standards before they can be released.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and FDA have expanded safety monitoring systems to continue to track possible side effects of vaccines. A new easy-to-use, smartphone-based tool called V-safe enables vaccinated individuals to notify the CDC about any side effects. V-safe also texts reminders to get the second vaccine dose.

Anxiety about the COVID-19 vaccine

Anxiety can stem from fears about the vaccine’s safety, getting a shot or not having control over when it will be available.

Here are tips to help manage it:

• Stay informed and research credible sources. There is a lot of misinformation online about vaccinations in general. Follow credible news and information sources. Up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccines, side effects and benefits, and answers to frequently asked questions, are available on the CDC website.
• Follow recommended guidelines to keep yourself safe. It will likely take months for the COVID-19 vaccine to be available to anyone who wants it. In the meantime, take precautions to protect yourself and your family by wearing masks, maintaining social distance and washing your hands frequently. Minimize your risk of contracting the virus by following CDC guidelines on travel, gatherings and other activities that can spread the virus.
• Make self-care a priority and consistently practice ways to cope with stress. Anxiety can result from a feeling of lack of control and uncertainty, and the pandemic was the perfect storm of both. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, exercise and take time every day for an activity you enjoy.

Finally, remember that feelings of stress and anxiety during difficult times are normal and will pass. If you find that anxiety continually affects your quality of life and you feel overwhelmed, consider talking to a mental health professional.

To learn more about Magellan Healthcare’s mental and behavioral health resources, click here. 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

How we can comfort and support each other when grieving

Grieving the loss of a family member, friend or colleague is difficult. The pandemic has made it even harder for many people to cope. Those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 or other illnesses may face additional grief and sadness. Infection control restrictions have left them unable to visit or say goodbye. Moreover, traditional wakes and funeral services have been modified or eliminated due to social distancing and limits on the size of gatherings, changing the way people can comfort and support each other.

Many people have experienced multiple losses. For example, the loss of a loved one at the same time as unemployment and social isolation.  The resulting grief may be prolonged and complicated with delays in the ability to heal and move forward.

Common Grief Reactions

Pain associated with grief is a normal response to loss and can be felt on emotional, physical and spiritual levels. Common reactions to grief are:

• Initial feelings of shock, denial, and disbelief, which can be heightened when the death is sudden and unexpected
• Feelings of worry, fear, frustration, anger or guilt
• Physical reactions such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, pain and other stress-related symptoms
• Spiritual expressions of grief, such as questioning the meaning and purpose of life, pain and suffering

There is no normal and expected time for mourning to end. Depending on the relationship with the individual and the circumstances of the loss, grief can last for weeks to years. Grief can ebb and flow at unexpected times, triggered by memories of the deceased person, holidays and anniversaries of loss.

Coping with Loss

It is important to find ways to express grief.

• Connect with other people, such as friends, relatives, support groups, and faith-based organizations if applicable, even if the contact must be virtual or by phone. Sharing your feelings with people who understand what you are going through is comforting and eases loneliness.
• Participate in an activity, such as planting a tree or creating a memory book, to honor the person you lost. Ask family and friends to contribute their memories and stories.
• Take good care of yourself. Maintain a balanced diet, moderate exercise and adequate sleep. Treat yourself to something you enjoy, such as a massage or a walk in nature.
• Avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs to escape emotional pain.
• Don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Allow other people to assume some of your responsibilities when you are feeling overwhelmed.

When time has passed, if you are still having difficulty functioning, seek support through grief counseling, your EAP, support groups or hotlines. As writer Vicki Harrison said, “Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm and sometimes it’s overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.”

Find ways to deal with negative emotions

There is no question that the pandemic has affected the mental and emotional health of Americans of all ages. We have experienced months of social isolation, job changes and unemployment, school closures, and other disruptions. This has led to a surge in the number of people reporting high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Given the uncertainty of when life will return to normal, finding ways to manage negative emotions and strengthen your mental health is important.

Building and exercising resilience skills can help protect your mental and emotional health. Try these tips:

• Stay in touch with positive and supportive people, even if you can’t see them in person. Strong social connections can reduce stress and help you feel happier and more energetic. If you haven’t already, learn to use video platforms like FaceTime and Zoom to stay in touch with friends and family.
• Practice ways to manage everyday stress. For some people, a daily walk eases the pressure of the day. Try meditation, reading, yoga, working on a hobby, listening to music or any other activity that you enjoy. Practice finding something you can be grateful for every day. You will feel more positive and recharged.
• Find what motivates you. Research shows that people who feel they have a purpose in life tend to be happier and live longer. For some, being creative, helping other people or devoting their time and energy to a cause can be the best motivators.
• Make self-care a priority. Physical and mental health are closely intertwined. In difficult times, it is important to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise. Avoid using alcohol, tobacco or other drugs to cope with negative emotions; they can make sadness, depression and anxiety worse.
• Limit the amount of time you spend on social media and the news. If you are constantly frustrated and upset over what you see in the news or on social media, limit or take a break from both.
• Maintain your sense of humor and practice reframing negative thoughts. If you become aware that negative thoughts and images are invading your mind, draw your attention to your surroundings. Being present in the moment, or mindful, is one way to break a pattern of negative thinking. Humor is another way to defuse negative emotions.
• Give others the benefit of the doubt. Everyone is affected by the pandemic in one way or another, and others’ emotions may not be obvious. Be kind in any interaction with others.

If you find that your mental health symptoms are negatively impacting your quality of life, consider talking to a professional.

To learn more about Magellan Healthcare’s behavioral health resources, click here.

As if 2020 wasn’t already difficult enough with the stressors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and protests over social justice issues, the upcoming election adds another level of anxiety for many people. A study published by the American Psychological Association in 2019 found that 56% of Americans, regardless of party affiliation, felt stressed about the upcoming presidential election.[1]  If you are feeling overwhelmed by the current political climate, you are not alone.

These feelings can have a negative impact on your emotional and physical health. Symptoms such as low energy, insomnia, loss of appetite, mood swings and tension are signs that you should not ignore. It is important to recognize what you can and cannot control as the election approaches.

You cannot control other people’s opinions, beliefs, reactions or how they express themselves. Nor can you control others’ votes. There are, however, many things you can control during and after the election:

• The amount of time you spend on election news and discussions. While the 24-hour political news cycle on television, radio and the internet is almost impossible to escape, you can limit the amount of time you spend on media each day.
• The coverage, feeds and groups you follow. When you are watching or reading election coverage, avoid negative-leaning discussions, especially if you feel constantly frustrated or upset by them.
• How you interact on social media. Avoid giving angry or emotional responses to posts that do not align with your views. You are unlikely to change other people’s opinions; you are more likely to get unwanted and hostile feedback.
• The time you spend with people. Prioritize your relationships with positive family and friends. Strong social connections can reduce stress and help you feel happier and more energetic. If you and a friend or family member have differing political views, try not to discuss them.
• How much you talk about politics at work. A February 2020 Gartner survey found that 78 percent of employees talk about politics at work; a third of those employees find the conversations stressful or frustrating.[2] Limit or avoid political discussions at work. When you do engage, treat colleagues with kindness and respect, and be aware that political discussions can hamper teamwork and productivity.
• How you deal with stress. Whether it’s meditation, going out in nature, reading a book or working on a hobby, take time every day to do something that makes you feel good. Make sure you get enough sleep and exercise, eat a healthy diet, and avoid using alcohol or drugs to cope.
• How you use your time and talents. Give your time and skills to a cause you believe in. If you have a strong interest in a political cause or candidate, offer to help with a campaign or other event.

Remember that professional help is available through your EAP if stress and anxiety about the election start negatively impacting your quality of life.

[1] https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/11/americans-significant-stress

[2] https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/18/47percent-of-workers-say-the-2020-election-has-impacted-their-work.html