The National Football League’s 58^th Annual Super Bowl ended with a winning team and fans who might be recovering from a tough season. Whether you’re an athlete or a fan watching sporting events in person or at home, the competitive nature of sports can be both exhilarating and heart-wrenching. However, what happens when the passion felt for the game triggers emotions such as sadness or depression? In this interview with Magellan Federal’s Performance Coaching Manager Meg Helf, M.S., CMPC®, we explore the concept known as “sports fan depression.”

What is Sports Fan Depression and is it a real diagnosis?

Meg Helf: Although Sports Fan Depression is not an official diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), many of us are all too familiar with the emotional rollercoaster that comes along with being a fan. Reactions to any number of life events can linger and develop into diagnosable depression, prolonged grief disorder, or an adjustment disorder with depressed mood. Just as we experience grief with the loss of a relationship or a loved one, a job or an opportunity, we may experience grief at the end of a season or when our favorite team comes up short.

For sports fans, acute grief is that initial intense feeling after a loss takes place. This may manifest in a range of complex feelings such as sadness, anger, frustration, and disappointment, which often isn’t discussed in the context of sport. When this grief is experienced for extended periods of time and starts to impact our daily functioning (e.g., work, eating habits, sleep, relationships), we might be experiencing what many call Sports Fan Depression.

What is it about sports that can trigger this feeling?

Helf: There are several reasons that sports can trigger these feelings. Fans make emotional, psychological, physical, and sometimes financial investments in their teams. There are a plethora of ways that sports can impact our wellbeing: sports can be integral to one’s identity, sports can drive our daily activities, and, sports have the ability to create communities and develop relationships.

The more someone identifies with their team the stronger they may feel loss about the outcome of the game or result of the season. These events can feel like a blow to our personal identity when we have a sense of pride and belonging. Despite superstitions and lucky shirts, socks, and routines, fans have a lack of influence and impact on the outcome of the game. This may set many up with unrealistic expectations and add a sense of helplessness. A player on the field has the ability to distinguish what went well, identify what they and the team need to develop, and maintain a future focused growth mindset regardless of the outcome. With less control, it is understandable that fans struggle with optimism because they cannot take any action to make the desired change.

For some, being a fan is a part-time (or full-time!) job. Between watching games, competing in fantasy leagues, and researching statistics, our daily lives are filled with something that we are passionate about. Similarly to how some marathon runners experience the “post-race blues,” when a season is over, we may feel a loss for all the time we invested and feel like a large part of our daily excitement and activities are missing. As the season comes to a close, that taste of the adrenaline, tension, energy and anticipation of each game fades and may leave us wanting.

Fans also rarely go it alone. Our favorite team has the ability to connect people, both friends and strangers alike. Fans connect across time zones for draft parties and engage in banter through fantasy leagues, spend hours tailgating before a game, and gather for watch parties. Families strengthen bonds, adorning newborns in gear and creating traditions. Strangers high-five. They hug. They share food, drinks and handwarmers. Even opposing fans engage in playful banter and share stories. Entire cities come together to support their team. We win together. We lose together. And when the season is over, we are losing these opportunities for such a meaningful part of life – connection to others.

How can someone identify if they suffer from this condition?

Helf: A couple of symptoms experienced with depression are diminished interest or pleasure in activities, depressed mood, significant unintentional weight gain or loss, insomnia or sleeping too much, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness. Prolonged grief symptoms are intense emotional pain, loss of identity, difficulty moving on with life, emotional numbness, feeling that life is meaningless, and intense loneliness.

Individuals should build self-awareness about the intensity and duration of their symptoms, and the impact they have on their daily lives. Tap into your thoughts. Are they pervasive? Is the loss of the game bleeding over to other areas of your life? Be purposeful with your next steps and be on the alert for destructive or non-productive patterns that may not help you (e.g., alcohol, adrenaline/thrill seeking, substance abuse, risk-taking).

What are steps someone should take if they believe they have Sports Fan Depression?

Helf:

• Make some intentional time to mourn the loss and build self-awareness of when intrusive thoughts creep in so you can shift to more productive, optimistic style thinking.
• Expand your identity – who are you outside of being a loyal, avid fan?
• Develop and maintain healthy habits – make time to move your body, prioritize healthy eating, hydration, and sleep. These habits are always crucial, but especially helpful for individuals who are struggling.
• Cultivate connections with others – reconnect with your fellow fans in a different context and develop new communities. Diversify your portfolio on interests and discover activities that generate positive emotions and engagement.
• Unplug from your fandom. Clear your head and provide an opportunity to get a little emotional distance from the season. Taking time for yourself will sow benefits for you and those around you. If the post-season funk stays around for longer than 2-4 weeks, find a professional to talk to or take a depression screen.

It’s important to understand that it is perfectly natural to have emotional highs and lows when you are so connected and invested with a specific sports team. Just because you experience some grief, sadness, or disappointment does not mean you have depression. It is typical to have reactions when any season changes and normal to reset your compass.

Perhaps consider why you watch sports in the first place. Is it the appreciation of athletic prowess? The comradery and connection with others? Pride in your town? Understanding what is most important to you can help you squeeze every ounce of enjoyment and excitement out of the game, while arming you with strategies to cultivate your wellbeing.

For more information on depression screenings and tips on wellness, please check out: The Journey to Wellness: Do I need a Depression Screening?

And remember…there is always next season!

Resources

Online screens and helplines: 

• Anxiety & Depression Association of America: (1)
• The Reach Institute (2)
• Mental Health America (16)
• Veteran’s Administration (17)
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
• NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264

February 1^st is known around the world as Time to Talk Day. This is a national day that encourages individuals to have an open dialogue about their mental health and to be supportive of others.

In this DocTalk article, Magellan Healthcare’s Medical Director Dr. Chris Squillaro shares why the act of talking about mental health is so important, the common misconceptions about mental health, and advice on how to approach the conversation for all age groups.

Q: In your opinion, why is it important to talk openly about mental health?

Dr. Chris Squillaro: Open conversation is important to communicate our feelings and emotions.  Without the ability to share the things that we are feeling inside, they can become confusing, which can feel out-of-control and lead to worsening emotions and possibly behavior.  Conversing about mental health also normalizes the subject matter.  The more frequently mental health is openly discussed the more accustomed we become to discuss it within our relationships and as a society.  Lastly, talking about it helps us to realize that we are not alone.  Since mental health and substance use is so prevalent in our culture, every one of us likely has a connection to someone struggling with one or the other.

Conversely, not openly discussing mental health has no benefit.  History has already shown that this only leads to stigma and worsens the potential problems associated with unaddressed mental health conditions.  If we’re not openly discussing it, we’re also not openly seeking solutions when needed.

Q: In 2024, what do you think is the biggest misconception about mental health?

Dr. Squillaro: That mental health issues are resolving as fast as our concerns about COVID.  Even though we are moving away from the day-to-day threat of COVID to us and our loved ones, mental health and the mental health system are far from recovered.  We are seeing consequences both in terms of children and adolescents who lost social connection at critical junctures in their development and are struggling to catch up from the delay.  This not only impacts them but also their family unit and their community.  The increase in alcohol and drug use that occurred during the height of the pandemic was not resolved.  Many of the people who developed addictions are just now starting to seek help and there are many who have not realized that there is a problem.

At the same time there is a greater need as the delivery of mental health services shifted.  Services moved from primarily face-to-face to virtual.  With this came a shift in the workforce.  Many mental health workers sought virtual positions and left critical services that required face-to-face interaction.  This left vacancies that have not been filled.  Every service in every level of care is experiencing staffing shortages.  The misconception is that as society normalizes, the mental health system has normalized and can accommodate the demand.  However, we are not seeing that same level of normalization at a time when it is needed.

Q: How do you think we can create a more supportive and understanding community when it comes to mental health?

Dr. Squillaro: It starts in the home.  Each generation has gotten better at this.  The best way to influence change is to teach our young.  More knowledgeable and understanding parents teach their children acceptance.  These children then begin to make a difference as they interact in the community and in school.  As the members of the generation mature, they create a more compassionate and embracing community.  When children grow up with these concepts that are taught and modeled in the home, their thinking and behavior is more solidified and less likely to be influenced by many of the external influences that continue to be intolerant.  I doubt anyone feels that society will eliminate extreme points of view that preach intolerance.  But the hope is that these extremes get smaller with the majority being a community that is accepting and supportive.

Q: What role can friends, family, or colleagues play in supporting mental well-being, and how can they contribute positively to someone who may have mental health struggles?

Dr. Squillaro: In terms of having tougher conversations and feeling safe to communicate about mental health and mental health struggles, family and friends are critical. They contribute to each other’s lives by caring and having the best of intentions, even when saying things that aren’t always easy to hear or when someone isn’t necessarily ready for help.  Many times, family and friends will be the first to identify when something is wrong and should be the first to speak up.  The most positive thing you can do for someone is to let them know what you’re seeing and that you are a person they can come to for help.  They may not be ready in that moment and they may need additional encouragement, but being there is the hardest and best thing to do.

On the other end, as things begin to improve, they will also likely see it first.  They can encourage and provide that perspective to continue instilling hope.  They can walk the recovery journey with their loved ones and make the connection even stronger.

Q: What advice would you give to someone hesitant to talk about their mental health issues?

Dr. Squillaro: An analogy I use to make this point is that emotions are like water.  Eventually, there is nothing that can hold it back and when it breaks through, it is one of the most transformative and potentially destructive forces on the planet.  Hesitating to talk about mental health doesn’t mean it’s not there.  We’re only able to hold it back for so long before the pressure becomes so great that we no longer control how it comes out and what it destroys.  Talking about mental health is like choosing to release the pressure and having a more constructive say as to how those emotions come out.

Q: Can you share 3-4 ways to begin an open dialogue with someone about your need for support?

• Identify the issue – you don’t need to know exactly what is wrong, only that your emotions are affecting your functioning.
• Identify someone who has historically made you feel safe.
• Take a risk – anxiety is about feeling conflicted. Choosing to move forward despite that feeling is how you begin to change take control of it.
• Gather information – after you’ve taken one risk, a second, third or more becomes easier. In that process, collect what people tell you and find your own path forward.

Q: Are there unique ways to approach a discussion about mental health with an adult versus a child (under 18) or a young adult?

Dr. Squillaro: Pay attention to the language you use.  Whether it’s a child, adolescent, or an adult, they must be able to understand what you’re saying.  Logically, children will need more simple language and concepts.  It’s okay with adolescents to take a more informal approach to how you communicate.  You’re trying to connect with someone who is at a stage where they may not want to rely on authority figures or feel that they know better.  Adults can have a wide range of capabilities.  Trying to match the language they use will put it in terms they can understand.

Be aware of their developmental stage.  Each age group is at a different stage of brain development.  Children will need to be told the answer and will need help developing the solutions.  They are much more open to direction from authority figures.  Adolescents are more impulsive and tend to believe they can easily overcome the issues.  They may also be more comfortable receiving recommendations from peers, so look to engage people within their age group to help reach them.  Adults have more lived experience, and their decision-making is more progressed.  Predicting the consequences in areas of importance to them helps to prepare them engage in help.  No matter what age group, sometimes people need time to process information.

As a person trying to support someone with a mental health issue, patience and consistent messaging are key.  Very few people react immediately.  Continue to support them through their process and reinforce a message of help and hope that will eventually be heard when they are ready.

Q: What tools or resources would you recommend on this topic?

Dr. Squillaro: This may sound simplistic, but doing an online search can bring you to both national organizations and local resources that may be of benefit.  It offers choices about which sites, information, or resources speak to you.  Specifically, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a resource on this: How to Talk About Mental Health | SAMHSA.  Another great organization to seek support is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Resources | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness.  NAMI also has local chapters and can provide support to families as well.

Your insurance provider will also have resources available on their website and may be able to aid in facilitating referrals or tools to help you understand what you’re feeling or start a conversation with someone who needs help.  Along the same lines, the county you live in has mental health resources and is well-versed in the network of providers who can provide the services needed.

Resources

How to Talk About Mental Health from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Resources from the National Alliance on Mental Illness

Walk into any store after Halloween and you more than likely will see the twinkle of holiday lights, trees, and decorations that quickly remind us that the Christmas season is upon us. For some, these reminders are a welcomed sight, and, for others, these reminders may trigger feelings of stress.

One way to help ease stress levels can be by setting healthy boundaries. Magellan Healthcare’s medical director Candice Tate, MD, MBA, shares advice on the importance of setting healthy boundaries during the holiday season.

Q: What are some factors that you feel are adding to stress this holiday season?

Dr. Tate: I think people are still trying to get that pre-pandemic holiday spirit back. People feel overworked and underpaid. Many stressors do not seem to have a deadline or an endpoint. This is also the time when people tend to mourn the loss of loved ones or feel emotional because they are unable to attend family gatherings.

Q: What are the steps to setting healthy boundaries during the holiday season?

Dr. Tate:

1. What are your needs and/or what are your stressors? This first step is important because it is difficult for others to know what you need and what stresses you. This can be effective by focusing on your top five.
2. You should expect resistance from others because your needs may conflict with their needs. This can be a challenging step in establishing boundaries for that reason. This is also challenging because you are imposing a change from past behavior.
3. You must communicate the boundaries and any subsequent changes. This may result in uncomfortable discussions and possibly conflict, but this is a necessary step in establishing boundaries. This is important for the people who will be directly impacted by the changes.
4. You must be consistent with the boundaries and hold yourself accountable. Others may intentionally or unintentionally challenge your new rules and habits. It is important to stand firm and remind others of what has been discussed. For this step, practice makes perfect. The longer you are consistent in reinforcing your boundaries, the more beneficial the boundaries will become.
5. Be prepared to distance yourself if necessary. On occasion someone may wholly reject your boundaries and object to any change. That is okay for them to do, and it is okay for you to distance yourself from the person or the situation. The boundary has been created to provide you with peace of mind and protection.

Q: What are examples of healthy boundaries? Is this important for both adults and children? How so?

Dr. Tate: An example of a healthy boundary during the holidays is setting a budget. Many people are faced with financial challenges due to rising costs of food and gifts. Many people feel that their disposable income has decreased over the past few years. Setting a budget for holiday spending to include gifts, decor, travel, and entertainment is a form of a boundary. Overspending causes anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. A budget can be beneficial for an individual and/or a family. It can be shared electronically or on paper, and it can be discussed with significant others and children. This allows for spending a certain amount, managing expectations, sparking creativity, and establishing new standards for the holidays.

The holiday season is an optimal time to take a social media break as another example. Recent reports in the news highlight how social media harms teenagers and children. Not only is this information not new, but we also know that social media negatively affects adults too. This is an opportunity to disconnect from what others are doing (or pretending to do) and allows you the space to focus on your values and the needs of your family.

There is so much pressure for us to experience a certain type of holiday season that usually includes overspending, indulgence, and being happy about it. Establishing boundaries is an opportunity to show yourself and your children that you can create positive and meaningful memories by doing things that suit your family based on your means and your values.

As October comes to a close, so does the monthly observance known as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year’s theme selected by the Office of Disability Employment Policy was “Advancing Access and Equity.” According to the Autism Society, adults with Autism are represented in every field of employment.

In this Q&A article featuring Dr. Amy Latta, a psychologist advisor for Magellan Healthcare, we explore the question – is Autism a disability?  Dr. Latta shares her thoughts on this question below.

Q: Is autism considered a disability (from social, legal, and medical viewpoints)?

Dr. Latta: The medical and legal perspectives both view Autism as a disability. The disability is created when the individual’s impairments (social communication and social interaction, as well as restricted interests, behaviors, or activities) interfere with daily functioning.

In contrast, a social perspective views the individual with Autism as “neurodivergent”  or having a brain style that is simply different from the average or “neurotypical” person in society.  From this perspective, Autism is not a disability. The disability is created by society’s lack of acceptance of an individual with a different or “neurodivergent” brain style. Within this framework, as society becomes more inclusive of persons with Autism and adapts better to their needs, the disability fades.

Q: How do you discuss neurodivergence with a child with autism?

Dr. Latta: If you ask a group of children to draw a person enjoying something fun, do you think all the pictures will look the same? Would anyone’s drawing be the “right” drawing or the “wrong” drawing? That is neurodivergence. It means everyone’s brain functions differently. There is no right or wrong way.

Q: Please briefly outline state government disability benefits people with autism can take advantage of.

Dr. Latta: Social Security Administration’s (SSA) administers the Social Security Income (SSI) program, which provides financial assistance to children and adults with Autism. In order to meet eligibility for SSI, there are income limits and medical requirements (e.g., symptoms of Autism need to be severe enough).

Q: How does getting disability benefits differ for children and adults (especially for parents with teens about to turn 18 – do they need to go through the process of conservatorship before the 18th birthday or will their child need to show financial responsibility, such as a job or paying rent, to get the full amount of disability)?

Dr. Latta: A child (under age 18) with Autism may qualify for Social Security Income (SSI) if the symptoms of Autism are severe enough and the parents’ income does not exceed the income limit. The income limit increases with each additional child under age 18 in the family.

Once a child with Autism turns 18, the parents’ income is no longer counted (even if the child is living at home) in the calculation for SSI benefits.

If a child is going to turn 18 and needs help making life decisions as an adult, the family may want to consider providing support to the child after age 18 through guardianship, conservatorship, or power of attorney. Guardianship and conservatorship are more involved legal processes so the family will want to start this process six months before the child turns 18.

Guardianship: A trusted adult is court-ordered by a judge to make decisions on behalf of the individual. There are full and partial guardians. A full guardian can make decisions about all areas of an individual’s life. A partial guardian can make decisions about select areas of an individual’s life.

Conservatorship: A trusted adult is court-ordered by a judge to make decisions about financial affairs only.

Power of Attorney: Is a legal document that authorizes a trusted adult to make decisions about the individual’s property, finances, or medical care. Under a POA, the individual still retains the right to make decisions on his or her behalf.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, observed annually in September, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of promoting mental health, offering support, and fostering hope to prevent the tragic loss of lives to suicide. Death by suicide among service members, veterans, and their families is becoming a national crisis. This population is at higher risk for common risk factors, including experiencing a mental health condition and having a physical health problem.

On Thursday, September 7^th, Magellan Federal hosted a webinar, “Suicide Prevention Strategies and Resources for Military Families” focused on the prevalence of suicide in the military and the resources and strategies that can be used to reduce military suicides.

In this Q&A, webinar panelist Jason Kuttner, Magellan Federal’s supervisor for the Adolescent Support and Counseling Service, shares insight into his work with suicide prevention.

Q: What is your role with ASACS and how were you able to develop the Suicide Risk Assessment protocols?

Jason Kuttner: I have been the ASACS Program clinical supervisor for Hawaii since 2018. I’ve been with the program since 2012, first as a counselor in Japan and Germany, then as a clinical supervisor for Asia from 2015-2018. Prior to working with ASACS, I worked in crisis mental health services in Oregon where I had a variety of roles including conducting involuntary commitment investigations, providing emergent crisis counseling services, and helping train law enforcement professionals as part of the CIT (crisis intervention training) program. In these roles, I have worked with countless individuals in mental health crises. I’ve had extensive training in best practices for working with suicidal individuals and I’ve been able to learn from first-hand experience what works to de-escalate crises including implementing wrap-around support to keep people safe in the short and long term.

Q: When discussing suicide prevention how are the needs of a service member or a veteran differ from a civilian?

Kuttner: Suicide rates among veterans are significantly higher than in the civilian population. Veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans.[1] Reasons for this include high exposure to trauma, stress and burnout, isolation and loneliness, easy access to and familiarity with firearms, and difficulties integrating into civilian life. Active-duty service member suicide rates have been climbing in recent years and are now on par with the general population. One of the most significant challenges with service members is reducing the culture of stigma to access mental health services. There is a perception that accessing mental healthcare may jeopardize a service member’s career opportunities. All the branches of service are working to try to reduce this stigma and to make it easier for service members to seek help when they need it.

Q: In your webinar presentation you mention the need for more community-based prevention. What does community-based prevention look like and why is it needed?

Kuttner: Community-based prevention means simply helping and encouraging people to find ways to connect with others. The most effective of these are not framed as ‘suicide prevention’ per se but are ways for people to find others with common interests to engage with. This can include hiking, recreational sports leagues, motorcycling groups, service work and volunteering, music and arts, spiritual and religious organizations, and basically any kind of hobbies and interests that people can do with others. In person, social connection is an important antidote to mental distress which is often exacerbated by isolation. Increasingly people are connecting online through social media, multiplayer gaming, and other ways. While this seems like a good idea and can be a way to connect with like-minded people, research has been showing a correlation between increasing use of social media with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.

Q: Where can a service member, a veteran, or their family go if they feel depressed or are having thoughts of committing suicide?

Kuttner: There is good help there! The 988 mental health crisis and suicide lifeline was rolled out a little over one year ago. The lifeline connects people to local mental health support services including veteran-specific services. You can call or text and help is prompt, confidential, and professional. It is so important to know that there is no shame in having depressed and even suicidal thoughts; these are very common, and most people will have times in their lives when they experience dark thoughts including morbid ruminations. We need to reinforce the message that none of us are alone. Talking to somebody about these thoughts actually helps. The more people who are trained as peer supports to be able to know how to listen and talk to a person who is depressed and possibly suicidal the better. Many communities have access to free suicide prevention training such as ASIST and SafeTalk which are intended to train regular, non-mental health professionals to know how to be there for family members, friends, colleagues, and others who may be experiencing mental distress.

For service members who are worried about the stigma of accessing mental health support, chaplains are professionally trained to provide help and can help service members navigate their thoughts and feelings and help them determine what the next steps are to keep them safe. Also, the MFLC program- military family life counselors- are licensed mental health counselors contracted to provide non-medical counseling to service members and their families. MFLCs provide experienced guidance to help people resolve issues and access additional support if necessary.

Q: What are some barriers that might prevent a service member or a veteran from seeking help?

Kuttner: The most significant barrier is stigma- being worried that asking for help is a sign of weakness or might jeopardize their career or status in some way. It is so important to recognize that life is so much more than this present moment. Most suicidal crises are centered on the view that the circumstances that have led to this moment are not resolvable without an immediate and permanent way out. Sadly, the consequences of suicide have a ripple effect that can profoundly affect hundreds or more people in a person’s life. The crisis that a person is experiencing in the present moment can be overcome and the first step in doing so is letting it out, talking to somebody, and letting another person in to help bring some light into the darkness.

Who should watch this webinar and what would they gain?

Kuttner: Anyone who is interested in learning more should attend. Suicide has impacted or will impact most people at some point in their lives. All of us have times of difficulty and have people in our lives who suffer mental distress. The more we can do to get the word out that help is available and there are things that all of us can do to help ourselves and others in our lives, the better.

If you missed this important webinar, click here to watch the replay: https://www.magellanfederal.com/whats-new/mfed-inform/suicide-prevention-strategies-and-resources-for-military-families/

[1] National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report,  September 2022

Human connection is critical to improving performance and overall wellbeing in a sustainable way. This topic is the focus of the upcoming Magellan Federal webinar on Wednesday, July 19^th. Leaders are encouraged to join Magellan Federal’s cognitive performance coaches for the webinar, Human Connection: Creating Conditions for Thriving Individuals & Organizations, to understand the indicators of thriving conditions, how connection drives those conditions, and learn strategies to help you implement them in your daily life.

Event panelists for this informative webinar included Dr. Jon Metzler, Senior Director of Human Performance; E. Kruise, Cognitive Performance Specialist; and Meg Helf, Cognitive Performance Specialist.

Read the Q&A below for a few insights from our experts on human connection and wellbeing.

Q: Why do we need human connection? What are the benefits?

E. Kruise: Our brains are literally wired to connect and need connection for survival. Our brains will alert us when our need for connection is threatened. When we experience social pain our brains fire in the same way as when we experience physical pain, alerting us of the threat of disconnection. Just as pain alerts us when we are physically injured. When we are experiencing disconnection, we move into self-preservation mode and become self-focused; we are more likely in this mode to perceive others and the world around as threatening. As a result, we reinforce our feelings of disconnection. Furthermore, when we feel lonely, our sleep is impacted, our health is impacted. Loneliness increases our odds of an early death more than obesity, excessive drinking, or smoking 15 cigarettes a day. When we feel connected or a sense of belonging, we not only improve our own personal well-being and performance, but we also increase group cohesion, creativity, innovation, and the well-being and performance of the entire team.

Q: What are a few ways to create conditions for thriving individuals?

Meg Helf:

• Self-awareness of our mindsets and how our bodies operate is a first step in understanding that other people, with different backgrounds and upbringings, hold different mindsets, and their bodies may have learned to operate differently. This deep inner self-work takes time.
• At a baseline, prioritizing a culture of connection. Creating a sense of belonging by truly seeing each other. We can do this by approaching others with patience, curiosity, generosity, and vulnerability.
• Model Humility and Curiosity – Demonstrate situational humility. Identify and share where you have gaps in knowledge, skills, or abilities. Share your areas of development and plan. Ask for help. Ask a lot of questions about others’ challenges, ideas, concerns, and feedback.
• Encourage and praise Input and Initiative – Acknowledge and appreciate questions, ideas, concerns, or challenges shared by people. Encourage everyone to share. Praise an individual’s willingness to assess and then act independently on tasks or projects.
• Provide vision and the “why” – Paint a clear picture of what success looks like. Emphasize purpose, what’s at stake, why it matters, and for whom. When people are able to connect their values and purpose to the task, goal, or project, we see an increase in motivation. Keep the purpose top of mind, discuss, and ask for clarity if uncertain.
• Seek and provide effective feedback – Provide caring, direct, and honest feedback in a timely and consistent manner. Ask for caring, direct, and honest feedback and model effectively accepting that feedback. This demonstrates that we care about each other’s success and believe in their abilities.

Q: What are the signs that there is a thriving organizational condition within the workplace?

Kruise:

• People value other’s unique interests, skill sets and abilities. In turn, people feel valued and a sense of belonging. They are empowered to bring their full authentic self.
• People take risks because they are not afraid to fail. Failure is only an opportunity to grow, get better, produce a stronger solution, etc.
• People speak up, share, and challenge each other.
• People listen to and tune into others, not just what they are saying, but also how others are feeling.
• People are taking initiative, proactive, present in the moment, and emotionally interested in their tasks.

Q: In May, the U.S. Surgeon General issued an advisory calling loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection a public health crisis calling it a “Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” Do you agree or disagree that this is a public health crisis? Why?

Helf: Absolutely! Although the recent COVID pandemic has brought the awareness of isolation and loneliness into the spotlight, levels of social connection have been declining for decades. Our need as social beings is innate and ingrained in our fabric. Our ability to support each other and work together is what has made the advancement of our society possible. Mother Nature has made the bet that the best thing for our brains to do, at any given moment, is to see the world socially.

Unfortunately, various changes within our society have changed the way we develop and maintain relationships, how often we engage in meaningful connections, and with whom. Unlike the sensations of hunger, thirst, and pain, which alert us that our bodies need food, water, or care for injuries, many individuals are not as attuned to or aware of the sensations of social pain. Social pain is a real pain, alerting us that social connection is missing. Social pain literally appears on brain imaging the same as physical pain. Many of us, however, may not intuitively connect what we are feeling to the social disconnection that is driving us. Even if we are aware of our social disconnection, there is still a stigma around loneliness and may be difficult for individuals to discuss openly. Furthermore, when we experience social isolation and loneliness for long periods of time, we see a diminished ability to foster what we need most: deep meaningful connections. Social disconnection causes real changes to our brains and bodies. These changes manifest in our performance, health, cognitive functioning, longevity, and wellbeing. We, as a culture and community, need to prioritize connection at work, in our communities, and at home to reorient to what makes us function at our best: connection to other people.

Q: How does a lack of connectivity negatively impact wellbeing and productivity in the workplace?

Helf: When we don’t feel a true sense of belonging, we hide our authentic selves, we create a filter for our behavior. This impression management leads to hesitation. Instead of sharing ideas and asking questions, our focus is directed toward how we should act based on how we think we will be perceived. A culture of holding back leads to less efficiency, less innovation, and diminished performance.

Kruise: A lack of connection in the workplace increases the likelihood of individuals operating in self-preservation, or at least self-interest, mode. Thus, people are more focused on themselves and more likely to perceive what is going on around them as negative or a threat. This can lead to more conflict, less growth and development, less creativity and innovation, less collaboration, and ultimately performance suffers.

Q: Who would you benefit from attending this upcoming webinar and why?

Jon Metzler: Everyone! The concepts and strategies we discuss can be leveraged at any level of an organization in any environment or at home, with our families, hobbies, sports, activities, and social lives.

Click here to watch the replay of the July 19^th webinar.

Resources:

•  Human Connection_Creating Conditions for Thriving Individuals & Organizations.pdf
•  Human Connection_Thriving Organizational Conditions_Magellan Federal.pdf

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides care and services for military families with special needs – whether that is an adult or child. The program has served over 55,000 Army EFMP family members across a total of 32 locations within and outside of the continental U.S. In this Q&A with Magellan Federal senior program analyst Brandon Greenwood, we learn more about the important work with special needs families.

How does EFMP work?

Greenwood: There are three components to EFMP: Medical, Human Resource Command HRC(Assignments), and Family Support. Magellan System Navigators fall under the Family Support umbrella where we offer non-clinical case management to our clients. We provide support to soldiers and their dependents to make their transition to and from their duty stations as seamless as possible all the while providing support groups, educational workshops, Individualized Education Plans (IEP) assistance, and bringing exciting and inclusive special events to our population.

What are System Navigators?

Greenwood: System Navigators take the guesswork out of locating services in a brand-new environment for our clients, by forming relationships with community partners and service providers and connecting them to our service members and their families.

Clients are encouraged to collaborate with their Systems Navigator (SN) to create a service plan so that their individual goals are taken into account. A goal for our SNs is for them to empower our families to be the best advocate for their Exceptional Family Members as they can. We want to equip them with as many tools and as much knowledge about EFMP as possible so when they relocate, they are better prepared and informed for what may come.

How does this help families with children?

Greenwood: Our Systems Navigators also assist families with a dependent who has a special educational need with their Individualized Education Plans. SNs are trained in Wrightslaw Special Education and are able to educate parents and caregivers about their child’s IEP, point out inconsistencies, correct language that may not be beneficial to the child, and also attend the meeting with the family in a support role.

Wrightslaw is a training course that provides the knowledge build-up for Special Education Law and Advocacy.  It helps the System Navigator to better understand the challenges our EFMP families experience each day in the school system.

Our SNs play a large role in the planning and execution of special events. There are several events across all our military bases, however, most of those events aren’t inclusive for those with special needs. The EFMP family support program, along with the help of our SNs, create themed special events that are sensory-friendly and created with our EFMP families in mind. These events have become so popular that many sites have made them open to the entire base.

How can someone get connected to the EFMP?

Greenwood: To learn more about EFMP and the support available to your family, reach out to your local EFMP Family Support office. EFMP Family Support providers play a critical role in providing information, referral, family needs assessments, and family service plans to help you achieve the goals that are unique to your family.

Source: MilitaryOneSource

According to the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol contributes to more than 200 health conditions and about 99,000 deaths in the U.S. each year.[1] According to the CDC, one in six adults in the U.S. binge drinks with 25% doing so at least weekly.[2]

April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, which is a time to increase your personal awareness about alcohol abuse and alcoholism and to recognize these disorders, which can be treated.

Magellan Federal’s Senior Manager in the Adolescent Support & Counseling Services (ASACS), Allison Welliver, LMHC, MCAP, shares her insights on why this month is important. Welliver is a licensed mental health counselor and a master’s level certified addiction professional.

Q: Why is National Alcohol Awareness Month important?

Allison Welliver: National Alcohol Awareness Month is important because it brings awareness to alcohol abuse and dependency and allows people to be screened to see where their use of alcohol falls (low, moderate, or high risk for alcohol abuse or dependence). It also allows people to see how their use of alcohol compares to alcohol use by other people of the same age and sex.

Since alcohol is a legal drug, and so often used in social situations and celebrations, it can be difficult to see when alcohol abuse is happening.

Q: What are signs that someone is addicted to alcohol?

AW: Signs of dependence on alcohol can be behavioral/social or physical. Behavioral/social signs include secretive use, heavy drinking, drinking alone, drinking at inappropriate times of the day (in the morning), and continuing to drink despite the negative impact it has on your relationships, job, and health. Physical signs may include developing a tolerance, developing the “shakes” when not drinking alcohol, disrupted sleep, lethargy, or headaches, and needing a drink to alleviate negative symptoms.

Q: What is the connection between this addiction and mental health?

AW: Addiction and mental health problems are frequently comorbid, meaning that they often occur at the same time. It is a question of which comes first – does the mental health problem cause the addiction or vice versa? Many times, people turn to alcohol or other drugs to cope with mental health concerns that they are having. They could use alcohol to cover up depression or other pain underneath.

Q: What are some steps someone should take if they recognize they need help and what does Magellan offer to support someone who is dealing with alcohol addiction?

AW: First, reach out to a therapist. A therapist can evaluate your use and determine what setting is best to treat your alcohol use. Surround yourself with a positive, supportive network who understands that you need help. You may identify support through connecting with your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), if one is available to you. When contracted with an employer, Magellan offers EAP services to employees and their household members who may question if their use is abnormal, or if they have been having problems related to drinking. EAP services, including counseling, are free and confidential.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add or any resources you want to provide?

AW: There is a free online screening tool that anyone can use to gauge their level of alcohol use. https://alcoholscreening.org/

Additional Resources

• NIH Rethinking Drinking
• Work Stress and Drinking: A Vicious Cycle?
• How to say no to drugs and alcohol
• Maintain Your Recovery During the Pandemic

[1] Helping Your Patients with Alcohol-Related Problems: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=jul-2022

[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/binge-drinking.htm