Earlier this week, I wrote an article about how to cope with stress in business. Today, I would like to discuss how to spot the warning signs of mental health problems in others. Many of us work tirelessly to ensure our workplaces are safe and enjoyable places for our people. We cannot overlook the importance of good mental health.
Estimates suggest that one in four adults are affected by mental health disorders at some point in their life. For some, these will be brief episodes perhaps brought on by stressful circumstances. Others, however, can slip into a cycle of problems that may include frequent bouts of depression or anxiety. Without help, this can cause significant long-term problems.
People May Not Speak Up
People are often afraid to approach their managers or HR to discuss mental health concerns. They believe that doing so will cause more issues for them. Perhaps they fear that they will be overlooked for promotion or mocked in private by others? Some people are just afraid of appearing vulnerable or have grown up in an environment where the severity of mental health problems was unrecognised or dismissed.
Whatever the reason, spotting the signs of poor mental health is something all leaders should endeavour to do. Of course, we are not medical professionals, but as with my guide to stress, there are telltale signs that something may be amiss.
Frequent Short-Term Absences
One possible indicator is when a person takes frequent sick days, often only for a day or two at a time. Individuals who suffer from depression often find it difficult to face the day in front of them. Working and socialising can become trying tasks and even calling in sick can be draining. Very few people will cite depression or another mental health problem as the reason for their absence. They will instead complain about a short-term stomach bug or cold.
If you notice one of your people is starting to take many sick days, this may be a sign that they have an underlying mental health condition.
Snapping at Colleagues or Withdrawing
If one of your people has suddenly become aggressive in the workplace, this may be a sign of a mental health problem. People suffering from stress are often easy to agitate or anger, and this may manifest in sharp outbursts at others. Most people have a bad day and exchange words which they later regret but regular ‘bad days’ are a possible indicator that something is wrong.
Similarly, someone who withdraws from others may be having trouble. If one of your people has stopped talking with colleagues and appears disinterested or bored, this too can be an indicator that there may be an issue. A change in person’s sense of humour or noticeable change in their manner of speech are also things to watch.
Always Tired
I discussed the importance of sleep in my previous article. Both insomnia and hypersomnia are associated with many mental health conditions as both a possible cause and a symptom. Frequent signs of fatigue may be indicative of other underlying problems. An additional consideration is when people are regularly tired and have made less effort with their appearance. When coupled with fatigue, a change in patterns of dress or personal grooming can be symptomatic of mental health problems.
Consistently being late for work or staying later to catch-up is often an issue for people who are having difficulties getting quality sleep.
Lower Standards of Work
Sadly, it is often the one we notice first, but it is still a good thing to catch. If one of your people has become less productive or is working below their usual standard, this could be because they have a mental health problem. Coupled with fatigue, a tendency to daydream or appear bored can result in lower quality work.
The Next Step
You cannot assume that because one person fits any, or all, of the above that they have a mental health problem. However, it should be enough to raise some concerns. You should not ask outright whether they have a problem as it may appear confrontational and cause them to shut down. You should, however, talk to them.
The best approach is to speak with them privately and enquire in a relaxed, friendly tone how they are finding work right now. If a person’s performance has slipped or you have noticed they have been increasingly irritable, you may want to ask whether everything is okay outside of work. Do respect their privacy and their right to a personal life, however.
This conversation may not yield instant results, but it will sew the seeds that you are approachable, and you care. Make sure that all of your people know that they can talk to you if they have any issues or concerns and that you value their contributions. If a person’s quality of work has suffered, ensure that you praise all work to a good standard appropriately.
Taking Time Off
If someone needs to take time off work, then try to remain in contact with them. Speak to them on the phone once or twice a week and remind them that they are missed. Similarly, talk to them with the expectation that they will return. It cannot be understated just how much good you can do for someone who is suffering if you make them feel valued. Depression, in particular, can cause profound feelings of worthlessness in an individual. You want to make sure that you help your people fight that belief.
Do remember, even if you have no reason to suspect any of your people are struggling to cope with mental health problems, there is no harm in being forthcoming with praise and reward for good work.
Further Reading
Mental health charity Mind has produced this detailed document about managing mental health problems in the workplace.
