Knowing that you are there to support your colleague is crucial for anyone that is struggling. A strong support network is often cited as helping people getting through difficult periods with their mental health.
How to support during the conversation:
- Actively state you’re there to support them.
- Ask: Is there anything I can do to help? Try your best to deliver on this.
- Be conscious of your choice of wording (e.g. say “have you considered going to your GP” rather than “You should go to your GP”).
- Don’t try and fix their problem or state everything will be fine.
How to support after the conversation:
- Always follow up with a text or email, reinstating your support for them.
- Keep the dialogue going afterwards. Check on their ‘progress’.
- Keep it confidential (unless your colleague struggling stated otherwise).
- Continue to be yourself around them.
- Be vigilant to any significant changes to behaviour.
