If someone is trying to cope alone, they may not notice that they are struggling. With 15% of working-age adults estimated to have a mental disorder in 2019, all we can do is look out for one another, do our best to know what to watch out for and understand how we can support one another.  

There are so many ways that difficulties with mental health can present themselves, knowing what to look for can be crucial. 

It is important to remember when dealing with mental health issues in the workplace, both for yourself and others, is that under UK Health and Safety legislation and common law, employers have a duty of care for their employees. This includes a responsibility to protect their employees from stress at work by completing a risk assessment and acting on it if necessary. 

There is no singular statute specifically covering workplace stress: many laws are relevant, and much of the law governing stress has evolved from case law rather than legislation. 

So, what exactly should you be keeping an eye out for when it comes to your colleagues’ mental health and your own? 

• A change in performance can be an obvious sign. If their quality of work or ability to work suddenly and drastically changes, this could be a sign that they are struggling mentally. Changes like this, however, are not always dramatic. People’s mental health can deteriorate slowly and as a result, may fly under the radar for a period of time before anybody spots a problem.  
• Is there a lack of motivation where there used to be enthusiasm. 
• Are there problems with memory. Are they as ‘on the ball’ as they have previously been. 
• Are they making frequent uncharacteristic mistakes or inconsistencies that are out of character with previous performance. 

If you are concerned about a colleague, you can watch for different emotional behaviours.

Maybe you felt you were friends before and now they seem to become angry or upset by the end of every conversation you have. Someone who becomes irritable and extremely reactive where they were not previously could be be dealing with personal issues outside of the workplace. Try checking in with them but do not push too hard. Often people are unaware of changes in their behaviour and may not react well to being told they have changed, especially in what may be perceived as a in negative way. This could even exacerbate the issue and make them feel self-conscious and ‘singled out’. Be mindful of their response and more than anything just be there to support them until the external personal issues resolve themselves or they are ready to accept support. 

Another sign that your colleague may be suffering mental health issues is unexpected or unexplained lateness or absence. This could present as being consistently late or missing days altogether. They may miss social events with friends or not be contacting or responding to anyone in the way they used to. The key to spotting something like this is knowing what they were like before so that you can see the change. For example, if someone is always quiet and introverted, this may not be a sign of anything untoward, but if they are the friendliest, most outgoing person you know it could be a significant sign. 

At Unmasked Mental Health, we offer an employee support line for organisations. The employee support line means employees who need support can be signposted by you to Unmasked Mental Health and speak to a professional in order to receive advice on what is available to support them. 

Contact Unmasked Mental Health on 01422 356945 or email us at info@unmaskedmentalhealth.co.uk. 

This article is written by Laura Taylor, who is a Volunteer at Unmasked Mental Health.