Tips for dealing with mental illness


Seeing the warning signs early, a team member over time may be

  • tired and fatigued
  • angry or frustrated easily
  • avoiding colleagues
  • having difficulty concentrating
  • lacking confidence
  • having negative thoughts
  • having difficulty meeting deadlines
  • regularly late for work

How to address concerns with a team member or colleague regarding mental illness

  • Accept that work related stress may be a problem
  • Understand what work related stress is and relationship between work and home stress
  • Know what resources AGL provides to assist you and the team member
      

Visit beyond blue’s e-learning module to practise a discussion around mental health.

  • Plan how you will start your conversation. Let the person know that you are concerned and explain why. Open-ended questions are a good way to start a conversation. The conversation will be easier when approached with respect and concern.
  • Use appropriate body language. Make the person feel comfortable. To show you are listening, try to maintain eye contact and sit in a relaxed position.
  • Don't diagnose. It is not your role to diagnose or to provide counselling.
  • Accept their decision. If they don't wish to speak about it, respect their choice, but leave the door open for further discussion.
  • The discussion might not be immediately successful and you may need to try a few times to approach them. However, your actions may still make a difference. The person may choose to act at a later stage or continue the conversation with others.

DO

  • spend time talking about their experiences
  • indicate that you've noticed a change in their behaviour
  • suggest they might see their doctor
  • offer to assist them to make an appointment
  • ask how their appointment went
  • refer to resources at work, such as Employee Assistance Programs
  • encourage them to exercise, eat well and become involved in social activities.

DON'T

  • pressure them to 'snap out of it', 'get their act together' or 'cheer up'
  • stay away or avoid them
  • tell them they just need to stay busy or get out more
  • assume the problem will just go away.

Remember, speaking openly about mental health in the workplace will reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking.

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