Some weeks ago, Sam observed that Claire, his teammate at work was acting different from her normal character. Before, she would walk up to her colleagues and have a chat with them during breaks. She always wore a bright smile and she laughed even when no joke was told. This past month, Sam noticed that she kept her headphones in and gave excuses for skipping lunch. When confronted, she avoided eye contact and claimed that all was well.
In reality her work was slipping and she found it difficult to keep up with tasks. Sam had wanted to ask if she was okay, but he had certain resistance. Others have asked what was wrong and she gave them one word answers. They all knew he was closest to her and wanted him to ask her, but he wasn’t sure he could get her to respond. What if he said the wrong thing and she got very upset with him? What if she stopped talking to him altogether?
You might have been in Sam’s position before when interacting with a colleague. Many people see signs of struggle at work but don’t know how to respond. Silence feels like the most logical thing to do, but it won’t help your colleague. They will most likely be left alone to manage their pain which could be disastrous in the long run. This is what supporting colleagues mental health really means. It implies showing up with care even when we feel unsure.
Recognizing when Something might be Wrong
It might not be very obvious when an individual is struggling. Some people might just become quiet all of a sudden. Others become irritable or miss deadlines. You might notice that they become absent for no just cause, or they turn up late to work. They might just lose interest in things that they once enjoyed doing. You do not have to diagnose them for one mental health challenge or the other. You only need to observe and notice some of these changes which could suggest that they are finding it hard to cope. This is often the first step in how to help a colleague with mental health concerns.
After you have recognized these changes, how do you take the right action to address their mental health concerns?
- Start the Conversation
Approach your colleague politely and keep your words gentle. You could say, “I’ve noticed you seem a bit off lately. How are you doing?” That’s often enough. You are not pushing for details; you are just opening the door for them to speak up.
2. Listen without Trying to Fix their Problem
Most people don’t need instant solutions. They just need the space to say what’s on their mind, and you can give it to them. Allow them to share as much or as little as they want. Avoid jumping in with advice unless they ask for it. A simple “That sounds tough, thanks for telling me” can mean more than a long speech.
3. Respect Boundaries
If they don’t want to talk to you about it, that’s okay. Respect that. Just let them know you are around if they need you. Pressuring them might make them retreat further.
4. Encourage the Right Support
Remind them that professional help is available. Many workplaces have Employee Assistance Programs. Some have mental health policies or counseling services. Encouraging mental health support at work makes it easier for colleagues to get the help they need. If workplace options are limited, point them toward outside support such as GP, therapist, or support line.
5. Follow Up
Check in again later. Even a quick “How are you doing this week?” shows that you care. It proves you were not just being polite the first time. That small follow-up can help someone feel less alone.
What Not to Do
Avoid gossiping about what you noticed. Don’t minimize their feelings with phrases like “Everyone gets stressed.” Don’t turn the focus to your own struggles unless it helps them feel less isolated. Supporting coworkers with mental health challenges is about showing empathy. You don’t need to step in as a magician to fix all their problems for them.
Build a Culture of Care
Individual support matters, but a healthy workplace culture makes the biggest difference. Encourage open conversations about mental health. Advocate for policies that protect the wellbeing of everyone at work. When colleagues feel safe to speak up, they won’t need to hide their struggles.
The truth is that saying something kind is almost always better than keeping quiet and watching your colleague suffer. Don’t be like Sam who lacked the courage to ask Claire if she was alright. Supporting colleagues’ mental health is really not about bringing solutions to your colleagues’ problems. It has to do with noticing, listening, respecting, and encouraging them when they need it the most. Your little acts of care can change someone’s day and sometimes their life.
Care to share a kind gesture you got from your colleague that made a tough day easier for you?
