Stress and anxiety caused by the coronavirus pandemic pose a serious challenge for all age groups. A survey published by the American Psychiatric Association in March 2020 showed that more than one-third of Americans (36%) feel that the coronavirus pandemic is having a serious impact on their mental health. Most Americans (59%) report serious impacts on their daily lives.¹ Calls to crisis hotlines have increased exponentially. In recent studies, adults aged 18 to 44 report emotional and mental health problems associated with the pandemic.

Given that mental-health problems among young adults were on the rise even before the pandemic began, some experts believe that the country is on the verge of a mental-health crisis. Worse, quarantine and closures of medical practices have, in many cases, made access to personal treatment difficult or impossible. Fortunately, state and federal regulations have enabled the expansion of telemedicine services, including treatment for mental illness. Virtual therapies may well be the answer to the needs of millions of people in the mental-health field.

Proven efficacy

Research shows that online treatments can have positive results for a range of mental health problems, including depression, panic disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, anxiety disorders and substance use disorders. Telephone and video-based psychological care and evidence-based treatments such as online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have proven to be as effective as face-to-face therapy.²

The benefits for patients go beyond making treatment more accessible. Virtual therapy offers convenient modalities including live chats, text messaging, video and telephone sessions. Appointments are easy to schedule at convenient times. Virtual therapy is an attractive alternative for people with transportation problems or time constraints. People who are worried about being seen in a therapist’s practice, and those who are reluctant to use traditional mental health services may benefit from increased privacy. In many cases, virtual therapy sessions are more affordable than face-to-face sessions.

Best practices

It is important that therapists have the clinical expertise, licenses and qualifications to virtually treat patients. Reliable technology and secure platforms to ensure customer confidentiality are also crucial. Virtual therapy can solve many mental health problems. However, it is not suitable for patients who are suicidal, psychotic, severely mentally ill or have other illnesses that call for in-person care.

Due to the pandemic, health care is developing rapidly. Magellan Healthcare recognizes the need for additional telemedicine options and is now offering BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling service, to help Employee Assistance Program members access convenient therapy options quickly and easily. Click here to learn more about how Magellan is helping our members their mental health, emotional well-being and quality of life.

[1] Psychiatry.org. 2020. New Poll: COVID-19 Impacting Mental Well-Being: Americans Feeling Anxious, Especially For Loved Ones; Older Adults Are Less Anxious. [online] Available at: <https://www.psychiatry.org/newsroom/news-releases/new-poll-covid-19-impacting-mental-well-being-americans-feeling-anxious-especially-for-loved-ones-older-adults-are-less-anxious> [Accessed 13 July 2020].

2 Gratzer, D. and Khalid-Khan, F., 2020. Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy In The Treatment Of Psychiatric Illness

While the pandemic may be causing you and your loved one feelings of anxiety and apprehension, now is a good time to look for reasons to be happy. Practice these tips to nurture yourself, improve your mood and help others.

1. Be kind. Call your friends and neighbors. Maintain social distancing, but smile to all the grocery workers who are keeping the shelves stocked. Ask an elderly neighbor if they need anything. An act of kindness boosts serotonin, a natural antidepressant in your brain, in both you and others.

2. Be thankful. Don’t rush through your daily interactions on autopilot. Slow down and notice when someone is kind to you, even in the smallest way, and show them your appreciation. When you practice thankfulness, you become more positive; that helps others feel good too.

3. Deepen your connections: Share your feelings about this experience with those closest to you. Encourage each other to make the best of this moment in time, and come up with a game plan to support each other moving forward.

4. Move your body. Exercise is vital to maintaining physical and mental health. Get your heart pumping by taking a walk in your neighborhood, going on a hike in nature or using an app for a guided training or yoga session. If you do go outside for a walk, maintain social distancing.

5. Write down your thoughts. Keeping a journal is a powerful way to get perspective. Clarifying your thoughts and feelings on paper helps you get to know yourself better and release the stresses of daily life.

6. Meditate. All you need to do is sit quietly for a few minutes, breathe deeply and let your mind relax. Meditation alleviates anxiety and helps you get in touch with your inner self, helping you face the world in a centered and focused way. Find free guided meditation sessions online.

7. Determine what is really bothering you. Vague worries are harder to manage because they are all jumbled together. Try to get clear on what you are specifically concerned about. Finding the root of the worry helps you figure out what to do about it.

8. Play games. Engaging in a game with others online, or even by yourself on your phone, helps you take your mind off other things. Give yourself permission to have some fun.

9. Dine Well. Have fun with food. Make your favorite recipes. Set the table with your finest dishes. Cook a meal with others. If you live alone, share pictures with friends for fun.

10. Remind yourself that this will pass. Try and come to terms with what you can’t control, and focus on what you can do to move through this time in a positive way. Draw on skills you have used during other difficult times, and remember how those times eventually passed by.

For more information and tips, visit MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to increase public awareness of mental health conditions.  We can break down the stigma by ending the silence. About 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness. It is important to be able to talk openly about it to get people the help they need. It is particularly timely this year, as we are seeing stigma associated with COVID-19, and we must do what we can to stamp out stigma in all its forms.

Understanding mental illness

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling or mood. Such conditions may affect someone’s ability to relate to others and function each day. Each person will have different experiences, even people with the same diagnosis. If you have — or think you might have — a mental illness, the first thing you must know is that you are not alone. Mental health conditions are far more common than you think, mainly because people don’t like to, or are afraid to, talk about them.

Mental illness can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, income, social status, religion or race/ethnicity.

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
• 1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
• 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24

Depression and anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders worldwide.

The exact causes of mental illness are not fully understood. However, factors that can contribute to mental health problems include:

• Genes and family history
• Biological factors such as brain chemistry and brain injury
• Serious medical conditions
• The use of alcohol or other drugs
• Traumatic life experiences
• Isolation and other social factors

Mental illness is not a character flaw or something that a person can just “snap out of.” For many people, recovery — including meaningful roles in social life, school and work — is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a strong role in your own recovery process.

Sadly, many people never seek treatment out of fear and shame. The stigma of having a mental illness or substance use disorder is two-fold: people suffer needlessly even though effective treatments are available, and they’re also at higher risk of premature death. For example, people with depression have a higher risk of heart disease and cancer. Studies also show that people with severe mental illness have a higher incidence of chronic diseases and tend to die 10 – 25 years earlier than the general population.¹

Stamping Out Stigma

Everyone experiences the ups and downs of mental health. Many people have a mental illness or know a friend or family member who has struggled with one. To stamp out stigma and get people the help they need NAMI offers these practical tips:

• Talk openly and honestly about your own experiences with mental illness and addiction.
• Educate yourself and others about the facts of mental illness. Mental disorders are treatable just as physical diseases are, and people with mental illness are not to blame for their condition.
• Recognize the signs of mental illness and seek professional help when needed.
• Show empathy for those living with mental health and substance use disorders.
• Be aware of your attitudes and language used to describe mental illness and people with mental illness. Jokes and name-calling are hurtful and perpetuate demeaning stereotypes.

Let’s work together to Stamp Out Stigma!

Sources:

[1] Management Information Sheet. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health

²Social Stigma associated with COVID-19. (2020, February). Retrieved April 10, 2020, from https://www.unicef.org/media/65931/file/Social%20stigma%20associated%20with%20the%20coronavirus%20disease%202019%20(COVID-19).pdf

Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. The Social Distancing concept, which is intended to reduce disease transmission and currently being practiced by communities at large, can be very isolating and lead to increase in stress levels. How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in.

People who might have more difficulty responding effectively to the stress of a crisis include:

• Those who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use
• Children and teens

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, and feel like you want to harm yourself or others please call 911.

In general, health impacts from stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

People with physical and mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Make sure you continue to take your medications as prescribed and contact your healthcare provider if you find you are starting to feel worse.

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. You can do this remotely through phone or video.

Things you can do to support yourself

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others over phone or video. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Look out for these common signs of distress:

• Feelings of numbness, disbelief, anxiety or fear.
• Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting thoughts and images.
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes.
• Worsening of chronic health problems.
• Anger or short-temper.
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Reduce stress in yourself and others

1. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media.
2. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
3. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
4. Connect with others over phone or video. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
5. Use trusted sources for information such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), The World Health Organization and state health department websites and encourage others to do the same.

For Parents

Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include

• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
• Excessive worry or sadness
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
• Difficulty with attention and concentration
• Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
• Unexplained headaches or body pain
• Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

There are many things you can do to support your child, including:

• Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share factual information about COVID-19 from the aforementioned trusted sources in a way that your child or teen can understand.
• Reassure your child or teen it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
• Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
• Be a role model.  Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members over the phone or through video.

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

To learn more about what Magellan Healthcare is doing to support clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

To learn more about Magellan Health’s corporate response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to view Magellan’s available resources click here: https://www.magellanhealth.com/news/covid-19/

As the pandemic grows, healthcare workers are experiencing a new level of stress and fear. Since our first piece about healthcare workers and mental health, the toll that COVID-19 cases have taken on them has become more difficult than any could have imagined.

First, let us again say thank you to all of you, from EMTs who answer the first calls to the doctors and nurses who tend to the sickest. Your selflessness and heroism is inspiring.

We’ve set up a counseling hotline for healthcare workers and first responders at 1-800-327-7451 (TTY 711). Your call will be answered by our licensed mental health clinicians. Our team is trained and ready to listen and help during this difficult time.

There are so many things that are out of our control. We are dependent on others to address many aspects of the big picture, but there are things outlined below that we can do for ourselves and those close to us. No single recommendation is enough by itself, but when taken together, they may help.

Talk about it

Acknowledge your anxiety, fear and grief, and talk about it.

Many of our colleagues and friends say that leaning on fellow healthcare workers is very difficult. Everyone’s heart beats a little bit faster when they greet a COVID-19-positive patient, so how can we ask them to support one another? Yet this is what we do as a medical community daily. Peer support is key.

• If a compassion fatigue group isn’t available at your workplace, work with your employer to put one together.
• If a group option isn’t available, talk to your co-workers about what you are seeing and how it is affecting you. You’ll be surprised at how many share your feelings but have been afraid to say anything. Hospital workers have talked about how a quick meeting at the beginning of their shift, during a break or at other times—to talk, pray, or have a moment of silence—has helped them tremendously.¹
• Many hospital systems have been deploying their psychiatric workforce as volunteers to help colleagues who need it.² Ask your employer if this is available.
• If you don’t want to talk about it at work, find a former co-worker or friend from school or training to talk to, or contact Magellan Healthcare at the phone number above.
• Finally, if you are at a point where your feelings impact your ability to perform or feel comfortable in your role, talk to your supervisor or your organization’s human resources group about your employee assistance programs. Monitor your physical and mental symptoms. You may reach a position that you need to be treated by a behavioral health professional. If that happens, contact one as soon as possible.

Make your voice heard

Some healthcare workers are feeling betrayed by their employers and others.² Whether it’s lack of PPE, feeling unappreciated or being expected to work excessive hours, these feelings can make an already untenable situation worse. While there is much you cannot control, don’t let that stop you from advocating for yourself and others.

• Ask for more PPE or the protocols for how it is allocated. Understanding why things are happening can help people accept them and enable you and your colleagues to offer suggestions from the front lines.
• If you are frustrated about things that you see, think about how you would make them better. Make a list and discuss them with coworkers to come up with solutions. Once things slow down, you’ll have strong suggestions for improving your work environment.

Maintain focus

• Remember why you became a healthcare worker. Maybe you watched a family member battle an illness, or you felt a calling to help people. Think about that during these times.
• Remind yourself that what you are doing is noble. The cognitive impact of recognizing the value you offer will help you serve your patients in a positive way.
• Consistent with your training and dedication, keep your focus on the patient in front of you, on protecting yourself to the best of your abilities and extending those protections to the home setting when you are off work.
• When you are off work, turn your focus to what is happening in the moment.

Take care of yourself

• We acknowledge that recommending meditation or focusing on breathing in the midst of chaos and fear may not seem helpful for some. Think about how you breathe when you are stressed. Some of us hold our breath without realizing it; others breathe very shallowly. We don’t realize it until we get around to taking a real breath.
• As you work around people with COVID-19, you might be afraid to breathe deeply. If you can, try to go to a place where you feel comfortable doing so, and take a few deep, slow breaths. Something as simple as this can release stress and clear your mind.
• Exercising may feel like a lofty goal as well. Try to find 10 minutes for a brisk walk, or a quick set of jumping jacks, sit-ups and push-ups.
• If you don’t have time or energy to cook, find easy-to-eat fresh foods like bananas, oranges and carrots.
• To help you relax and get to sleep, try apps like Headspace, Calm and Balance. AMA members can access these for free.
• Finally, if you are on medications for a pre-existing behavioral health condition, don’t stop taking them, and contact your provider if your symptoms are getting worse.

For more information and tips, visit www.MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns are growing, and school closures are happening in most states. While grown-ups are anxiously figuring out how to handle the impacts of these decisions, kids are observing everything and may feel just as scared and confused as adults.

Talking with children about COVID-19

Children look to parents, guardians, caregivers and other trusted adults to help them make sense of what is happening in the world. COVID-19 is the topic of conversations everywhere on social media, web news outlets and TV. Everyone is being exposed to the fear and uncertainty of this global pandemic.

Children might find it difficult to understand what they are seeing or hearing about COVID-19, so they can be particularly vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness. As an adult, it’s important to make yourself available to listen to children’s thoughts and communicate in an age-appropriate way that addresses children’s questions without stoking anxiety. Children react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with a stressful situation calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides Tips for Caregivers, Parents and Teachers During Infectious Disease Outbreaks that includes information on possible reactions and tips for talking with children and youth of different age groups.

Tips for staying at home with children during the outbreak

• Focus on the uniqueness of the moment. This situation has never happened before. How can you make the best of it? Yes, it is stressful on many levels, but for your children, it is a time they will never forget and there is an opportunity in forced togetherness to reinforce your family bonds.
• Plan for different age groups. Younger children will love being home. Young teenagers may not be as thrilled by not being able to hang out with their friends on a daily basis. High schoolers can handle themselves and may be able to help with the younger kids if you have to work.
• Bend with the wind. Meaning: be flexible with the schedule. Let children play, do a fun project together (make cookies or do a craft), eat breakfast for lunch and make room for downtime to read and hang out. Your kids may have quite a bit of time at home, so try to maintain your patience and perspective.

To learn more about what Magellan Healthcare is doing to support clients during the  COVID-19 pandemic, visit  MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

To learn more about Magellan Health’s corporate response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to view Magellan’s available resources click here: https://www.magellanhealth.com/news/covid-19/

Adapted from: Stockwell, A. (2020, March 13). What to do with your kids when schools are canceled. Retrieved from https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2020/3/13/21178234/coronavirus-covid-19-school-closures-kids-home

Humans are social beings, and the social distancing that is necessary to flatten the coronavirus curve is hard on everyone. The forced change in social behavior and the resulting isolation can affect people’s mental health in many ways. Whether you are home alone, with a sick family member or with kids out of school, isolation can increase stress and anxiety.

Depending on your situation, isolation can impact you in different ways. From loneliness to feeling cramped, dealing with these feelings on top of worrying about the COVID-19 outbreak can be overwhelming.

General tips
• Keep in touch with your social support groups virtually through social media, FaceTime, Skype, online games and other digital platforms.
• If the weather is nice, go outside and get some fresh air. Maintain a 6-foot distance from others.
• Stay busy. Read, play games or work on a project.
• Decrease the time you spend watching or listening to upsetting media coverage.
• Draw on skills that you have used during difficult times in the past to manage your emotions. That may include deep breathing, meditation, positive self-talk, etc.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, exercise and get enough sleep.
• Avoid using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs to cope with your emotions.
• Access information that can help you cope with stress, worry and confusion during the pandemic. Visit Magellan Healthcare’s COVID-19 response website for information and links to self-assessments, videos and other resources.
• Get the facts about your risk and how to take precautions. Use trusted national and international resources including the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and State Departments of Health.

For people living with children
• Remember that during times of stress, it is common for children to seek more attachment and be more demanding on parents.
• Be honest when discussing COVID-19, but do so in an age-appropriate way. If your children have concerns, help them ease their anxiety.
• Make sure you model good behavior. Children will observe adults for cues on how to manage their own emotions during difficult times.
• Help children find positive ways to express their fears about the situation. Every child has their own way to express emotions. Sometimes engaging in a creative activity such as drawing can help this process.
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment and practice familiar routines in daily life as much as possible, especially if children are confined to home.
• Provide children with engaging activities

For caretakers of older adults
• Provide practical and emotional support by sharing simple facts about what is going on.
• Give clear information about how to reduce risk of infection in words older people with/without cognitive impairment can understand. Repeat the information whenever necessary.
• Engage their family and other support networks in providing information and helping them practice prevention measures (handwashing, proper sneezing and coughing techniques, etc.).
• Be aware that older adults in isolation and/or those with cognitive decline/dementia may become more anxious, angry, stressed, agitated or withdrawn during this time.
• Encourage older adults with experience and special skills to help others by providing virtual peer support, reading to children over the phone, and the like.

To learn more about what Magellan Healthcare is doing to support clients during the  COVID-19 pandemic, visit  MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

To learn more about Magellan Health’s corporate response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to view Magellan’s available resources click here: https://www.magellanhealth.com/news/covid-19/

Adapted from Miller, H. (2020, March 10). WHO gives advice on handling mental health toll from the coronavirus. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/10/who-gives-advice-on-handling-mental-health-toll-caused-by-coronavirus.html. March 13, 2020.

It is midnight and I’m feeling anxious. I am hearing my daughter cough—she and I returned from New York City four days ago. I’m highly aware of what is known about the incubation and symptom development of the coronavirus. What if she, I, and all the others flying home from NYC last week became the latest vectors of this disease? I have a feeling of dread that I can’t shake, and it’s fueled by the fact that I can’t protect her from any illness, let alone coronavirus.

Anxiety is natural. It’s to be expected in times like these. The news cycle keeps us up to date on every change in the number of infected persons, or the number likely to die. There is a sense of foreboding about whether oneself will get sick, or whether our children or parents will fall ill. We rightly worry about what will happen to the economy and our financial well-being. And, it’s not as if anything else goes away—there is still work, financial obligations, an impending presidential election, countries at unease, and climate change. It is easy to reach the point of feeling on edge, irritable, anxious, or overwhelmed. I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel some of those feelings tonight.

Turning the Anxiety Around

Here are some helpful tips to consider as you grapple with the uneasy feelings associated with the coronavirus:

1. Accept It – It’s important to accept that this is happening; it’s real. Don’t pretend that it’s not. Look for the middle ground here—avoid the Armageddon predictions, as well as the pundits who say this will be over in a week. Accept that your partner, your children, your friends, your parents likely have some level of anxiety—some more than others. Be willing to share those feelings—sharing does not mean that one is weak. That honesty may make one feel less isolated in learning that others feel the same way. Talk to your kids to understand their feelings. My daughter asked me why I was buying extra groceries when I had told her that I wasn’t scared. Her question opened up a wonderful conversation; I am so glad she asked.
2.  Be Informed – Keep yourself informed, but, don’t fall for the endless news cycle and the counting of the numbers of people who have become infected, or what the politicians are saying. Use legitimate sources such as the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control websites. Listen to the science. Know what your public health authorities are saying so that closures don’t come as a surprise, and you are aware of mitigation efforts.
3. Recognize our Burdened System – Try to understand that the healthcare system is under strain right now. The coronavirus is additive—none of the other needs for healthcare have gone away. This means that triaging is critically important and because for the vast majority of cases—those with mild and moderate symptoms—the care is symptomatic, there is no cure. Demanding to be seen because of cold or flu symptoms doesn’t serve anyone. Those with documented fevers, and with shortness of breath or labored breathing, need to be prioritized and seen first.
4. Take Advantage of the Time – If you are now working at home, embrace some of the time you’ve saved in not commuting. Use this time to go for an outdoor walk, or to do yoga in the house. Start journaling. Engage in self-care, and care for those who live with you. Read your child an extra story, cook a hot breakfast, watch something that will make you laugh. All of this will support your ability to focus while you are at working from home. And if you are still needed in the office, use this time to focus on the task at hand. Remember to engage in handwashing, and social distancing. Use your commute to focus on something other than the coronavirus. Listen to a book or find new music. While at work, think about starting a desk exercise routine.
5. Recognize the Challenges – Realize that working from home and social distancing can be hard, especially in our tech-enabled world. If you are someone who travels a great deal for work, and those travels have been placed on hold, understand that you might become antsy at being grounded for weeks on end. Your routine, and the routine of your family has been upset. Talk about it. Understand that while it may be hard for you to stay home, it may be hard for your family to change their usual routine that takes place in your absence. It will take time to adjust and that’s okay. That’s the reality.
6. Maintain a Routine – Do your best to keep your usual schedule, and keep your kids on their schedule, too. This isn’t a holiday. It’s a time to be productive at home during the usual work and school hours. It’s a time to get a full night’s sleep. Print worksheets for your kids. Read. Keep screen time limited to educational activities. If going outdoors is an option, stay active outside. If it’s not, access an exercise program online. Checkout online books from your local library. Play a game. Do a puzzle. Watch television or stream some of the content you’ve been wanting to watch—but not for endless hours. I have ordered a PSAT prep book, and downloaded DuoLingo for my daughter. While she’s not so happy about that, those unpopular choices are the right thing to do.
7. Seek Help – Finally, if the anxiety is affecting your ability to carry out your roles, seek counseling. While face-to-face visits may not be possible, look for telemedicine or tele-behavioral health providers. If these are not an option, seek support through app-based services. Apps that focus on cognitive behavioral therapy or problem-focused therapy may be helpful. Look for apps that support relaxation, medication, and techniques to deal with insomnia.

As our country engages in mitigation, and promotes self-isolation and quarantine, realize that none of this is easy. But it is necessary. You aren’t in it alone—the whole community, even most of the world’s population is adjusting to this new state of life. By participating in what is best for the community, you are taking control of the anxiety by doing something to fight the spread of coronavirus. It’s important to recognize the critical role you are playing in this fight. Thank you.

To learn more about what Magellan Healthcare is doing to support clients during the  COVID-19 pandemic, visit  MagellanHealthcare.com/COVID-19.

To learn more about Magellan Health’s corporate response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to view Magellan’s available resources click here: https://www.magellanhealth.com/news/covid-19/