While it’s not your job to diagnose or be the therapist for your workmates or staff, there are important ways you can help if you think they might be having a difficult time, or struggling with their mental health. 

Observe changes, signs and symptoms

A lot of us spend a large proportion of our lives at work with our workmates, which means we might be well-placed to notice changes in their normal mood or behaviour that could indicate that something is up.

Look out for repeated lateness, changed mood, and changes in performance.

You might also like to ensure you are familiar with the signs and symptoms of the most common mental health issues for Australians, such as anxiety, depression and substance abuse.

Have a conversation

Have a conversation with your workmate or team member, ensuring you listen in a non-judgemental way, and knowing that they may not feel comfortable disclosing their problems right away.

It’s important to be aware of things the things that are unlikely to be helpful, such as

• Saying you understand exactly how they feel.
• Talking about your own experiences in comparison to theirs.
• Giving advice about what you’d do in their situation.

Instead, it can be helpful to:

• Seek to understand what’s going on for them.
• Provide support rather than advice.
• Allow them to make their own decisions.
• Provide them with information about supports available, such as their Employee Assistance Program.

For more tips on having a supportive conversation, Heads Up provides some useful pointers.

Assess the risk of suicide or harm

If you are concerned that your workmate may be at risk of suicide or self harm, make this the focus of your conversation. It’s a common myth that asking someone if they are suicidal will put the idea into their head. In reality, asking about suicide openly and directly is the only way to know if someone is at risk. There’s also no evidence that talking about suicide thoughts or behaviour is harmful.

Learn more about supporting someone at risk of suicide.

Look after your own health and wellbeing

Make sure to take care of yourself too by reaching out to your support network, and taking some time out for yourself. You may also like to access your EAP service for support.

Refer to supports, such as your Employee Assistance Program

Support comes in many forms, and it’s important that your workmate or team member has supports that suit their needs. They might include:

• A partner, family member or close friend.
• Their regular Doctor or Mental Health practitioner.
• Life Line: 13 11 14.
• beyondblue support service: 1300 22 4636.
• Your workplace EAP provider.

How to access the Caraniche EAP

Caraniche customers can call 1800 099 444, or book an appointment online.

You can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Download the Caraniche EAP brochure to learn more about the service.