If you think a team member is struggling with their mental health, don’t ignore it. Be aware that talking about personal struggles can be difficult and they might get emotional, embarrassed or upset.

So…. think about the right place and the right time.

Maybe at a park, over a coffee, offsite; somewhere quiet and private.

You don’t have to have all the answers – just being there and being supportive is great!

Start with…

“How are you doing?”

“What’s happening in your world?”

“How’s life?”  “How’s the family?”

If they’re okay talking, then mention specific things that have made you concerned, such as

“you don’t seem yourself – anything up?”

Have you noticed more fear, anxiety, anger, irritability, sadness and emptiness? Are they withdrawn, quiet, mood swings?

Have you noticed less involvement or enjoyment?

Has the person’s behaviour or thinking changed?

Concentration, distraction, memory, communication – sentences with hesitation, silences or no ending?

Is the person distant, overprotective, jumpy, denying or avoiding, taking risks, hungover or impaired, doing things like speeding or taking risks on site?

Sometimes it’s just a gut feeling.

Trust your gut!

Let them know you are asking because you are concerned about them. If they get upset or angry, stay calm, don’t take it personally.

Ask questions about what is going on like:

“Have you spoken to anyone else about this?”

“What would help you manage the load?”

“What can we change to make life easier?”

Don’t interrupt or rush, sit patiently in silence while they think. Take it seriously.