September 29, 2023

Supporting a co-worker who may have mental health concerns

by TELUS Health

It can be hard to know whether a co-worker’s troubling behavior is just a result of a difficult emotional phase, or a signal of mental illness. Stigma can also make talking about these issues difficult. But avoiding a mental health concern could deprive someone you know of the support and care they might need. And with the increase in workplace violence, early detection is more important than ever.

Warning signs

If someone you work with is exhibiting one or more of the behaviors listed below, they might be struggling with a real mental health issue:

• unprovoked emotional outbursts
• obvious personality changes
• problems coping with daily activities and challenges
• major changes in sleeping and eating patterns
• difficulty making decisions, concentrating, or remembering things
• extreme anxiety

Reaching out

In many cases, early intervention in a mental health issue speeds the recovery process. If you’ve noticed something is wrong but are unsure of how to talk about it, consider:

Speaking to a manager, supervisor, or human resources (HR) representative. They may have received specialized training to deal with these situations and may be able to offer the appropriate resources and support.

Treading carefully. Discussing the topic of mental health with a co-worker can be highly sensitive. If you feel your help would be welcomed and you’re the most appropriate person to talk about the matter, do it privately to avoid creating a situation where your co-worker feels their privacy has been violated or that they are being threatened or put on the spot. Rather than attempting to identify a specific condition, focus on your concern over their wellbeing and your desire to help and reinforce their value in the workplace.

Offering information on support services. If your co-worker seems open to seeking help, you may want to remind them that they can speak to their doctor, a mental health professional, or the assistance program.

Staying tight-lipped. If your co-worker shares personal information with you, don’t disclose or gossip with others about it. Keep information you’ve been entrusted with to yourself, unless you’re concerned your colleague is a threat to themselves or could harm others.

Talking about the issues of mental health with someone you work with can be difficult, but there are more resources available than ever before. By treading carefully, offering information and support, and letting the person know that you’re there to help—and not to judge—you can support them in getting the help they need.