In today’s interconnected world, the boundaries between work and home life have never been more blurred. As employers strive to create supportive workplaces, one crucial reality is clear: when an employee’s child struggles with mental health challenges, the entire family—and workplace—feels the impact.

The Teen Mental Health Crisis Affecting Your Workplace

The statistics tell a compelling story about why employers can no longer afford to overlook teen mental health:

• More than 50% of working parents report needing additional support from their employers to manage their children’s wellbeing¹.
• Over half of working parents have missed work specifically to address their child’s mental health needs².
• Spending on mental health services for teenagers has surged by 55% from 2013 to 2020³.

These numbers represent real workplace challenges: decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, higher healthcare costs and employees who are present physically but distracted mentally by concerns about their children.

The Ripple Effect on Your Organization

When employees are worried about their teens, the consequences extend throughout your organization:

• Reduced focus and productivity as parents attempt to manage their children’s mental health crises during work hours⁴.
• Increased healthcare utilization as families seek increasingly scarce mental health resources⁵.
• Higher turnover risk as employees seek employers who understand and support their family needs⁶.
• Diminished workplace wellbeing as the stress of parenting distressed teens follows employees to work.

In today’s competitive talent landscape, supporting the whole family isn’t just compassionate it’s a strategic business advantage.

Introducing Magellan’s Collaboration with BeMe: A Revolutionary Approach

Recognizing this critical need, Magellan Healthcare has teamed up with BeMe to offer a groundbreaking solution designed specifically for teens and young adults ages 13-22. This innovative mobile platform meets young people exactly where they are–on their phones–providing accessible mental health support that actually resonates with this digitally native generation.

The BeMe app takes a proactive, science-backed approach to teen mental wellbeing by:

• Building resilience and self-understanding through age-appropriate tools and resources.
• Creating a secure, supportive digital environment where teens can freely express and explore their emotions.
• Empowering young people to take an active role in their mental health journey.

What Makes BeMe Different from Other Mental Health Solutions

BeMe stands apart through its comprehensive, evidence-based approach that includes:

• Personalized content and activities.
• Over 40,000 engaging resources.
• Live one-on-one coaching.
• Seamless integration with Magellan’s Employee Assistance Program for virtual counseling sessions.
• 24/7 crisis support resources for immediate assistance.

Becoming an Employer of Choice

In a competitive talent market, family-supportive benefits are increasingly becoming a differentiator. By offering BeMe, your organization:

• Demonstrates genuine commitment to employee wellbeing that extends beyond the workplace.
• Addresses a critical need that many working parents are struggling to manage alone.
• Positions your company as forward-thinking and responsive to real-life employee challenges.
• Creates a supportive culture that recognizes employees as whole people with family responsibilities.

The Bottom Line

The mental health crisis among teens isn’t just a family issue, it’s a workplace issue that directly impacts your organization’s performance, healthcare costs and employee retention. By partnering with Magellan and BeMe, employers can offer a turnkey solution that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of employees while simultaneously strengthening organizational outcomes.

Ready to explore how Magellan Healthcare’s Employer Solutions can transform your benefits offering and support your employees’ families? Visit MagellanHealthcare.com/Employers.

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References:

1. Magellan Healthcare and Workplace Options Working Parent Research Study, 2022
2. American Psychological Association, Stress in America 2023 Survey
3. Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI), “Health Care Spending on Children and Young Adults,” 2022 Report
4. Harvard Business Review, “The Impact of Employee Wellbeing on Productivity,” 2023
5. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, “Parental Stress and Workplace Outcomes,” 2022
6. Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), “Family-Friendly Benefits and Retention,” 2023 Survey

Resources for Supporting Your Teen’s Mental Health

Military life can be exciting and adventurous, but it also comes with challenges, especially for teens who face frequent moves, deployments, and the stress of a parent serving in harm’s way. This toolkit offers tips for military parents to help their teens navigate these challenges and maintain good mental health.

Communication is Key

• Initiate Conversations: Don’t wait for your teen to “open up”. Regularly check in with them about their day, school, friends, and feelings.
• Active Listening: When your teen talks, truly listen. Put away distractions, avoid interrupting them, offer empathy, and ask clarifying questions.
• “I” Statements: Use “I” statements to express your concerns without sounding accusatory. For example, “I worry when you stay up so late” instead of “Why are you always up so late?”
• Respect Privacy: Respect your teen’s need for privacy but establish boundaries. Let them know you’re always available to talk.
• Deployment Discussions: Talk about deployments well before they happen. Address their worries about safety, missing friends, and managing household responsibilities.
• Deployment Traditions: Create routines or traditions to maintain connection during deployments. This could be a weekly video call, writing letters together, or sending a small care package each week.

Building Resilience

• Develop Routines: Establish consistent routines at home and school, even during deployments. This provides a sense of normalcy and stability.
• Encourage Exercise: Regular physical activity reduces stress, improves mood, and promotes healthy sleep patterns.
• Healthy Eating: Focus on providing nutritious meals and snacks to fuel your teen’s body and mind.
• Relaxation Techniques: Teach your teen relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.
• Positive Coping Mechanisms: Help your teen develop healthy coping mechanisms like journaling, creative outlets, or spending time in nature.

Recognizing Signs of Trouble

• Emotional Changes: Be aware of sudden changes in mood like increased irritability, sadness, or anger.
• Behavioral Changes: Watch for social withdrawal, neglecting hobbies, or increased risk-taking behaviors.
• School Struggles: Pay attention to slipping grades, difficulty concentrating, or lack of motivation for schoolwork.
• Physical Changes: Notice changes in sleep patterns, energy levels, appetite, or self-care habits.
• Substance Abuse: Be aware of signs of drug or alcohol use, which can be a way of self-medicating.

Getting Help

• MFLC Program: The Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) program helps military families overcome challenges with free non-medical face-to-face support. Services are private and confidential with a few exceptions. Support is available at many installations and affiliated schools.
• Military OneSource: This program offers a variety of resources, including:
• 24/7 confidential counseling: Speak with a licensed therapist specializing in military families.
• Workshops and webinars: Learn about common challenges teens face and develop coping strategies.
• Online resources: Access articles, videos, and tools to support your teen’s well-being.
• Chaplain Services: Chaplains offer non-denominational emotional and spiritual support and can be a valuable resource during difficult times.
• Military Teen Support Groups: Connecting with other teens facing similar challenges can be a source of comfort and understanding. Talk to your teen’s school counselor or local military base about support groups.
• Mental Health Professionals: If your teen needs more comprehensive support, consider seeking help from a therapist specializing in adolescents or military families.

Additional Resources

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network: https://www.samhsa.gov/
• The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ (for LGBTQ+ youth)

Remember:

• Take care of yourself. A healthy parent can better support a healthy teen.
• Celebrate accomplishments. Acknowledge your teen’s strengths and resilience.
• Be patient. Building resilience and coping skills takes time and practice.
• Seek professional help if needed. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you feel overwhelmed or your teen needs additional support.
• The military community is here for you. There are many resources available to support you and your family.