Recognising the signs of mental ill-health and distress

We can spend a lot of time with people at work. We can get to know a lot about them and the way they behave. We also may notice when their behaviour changes. Some of those changes may indicate they are experiencing mental ill-health or could benefit from additional support. 

However, as a work colleague or manager, it is not your role to decide if behaviour changes you notice relate to mental ill-health or some other cause.

Potential signs of mental ill-health

Mental ill-health may start out as subtle changes to a person’s feelings, thinking and behaviour. Ongoing and significant changes could be a sign that they are developing a mental illness.

It is helpful to know the signs that someone may be experiencing mental ill-health. It might be something they say (e.g. I'm no good at anything); it might be something they do (e.g. regularly miss work); it might be how they feel (e.g. seeming unhappy); it might be how they look (e.g. drastic weight changes). 

It is generally a combination of changes in behaviour, not a single change, that suggests someone may be experiencing distress or mental ill-health. Some of the common behavioural changes you might notice include:

• Inability to listen to other people or focus on a task – We can all have periods where we are distracted or jump from task to task. However, this could be concerning if appears to be happening for an extended period. 
• Arriving late for work and missing days of work – A change in attendance patterns may be an early sign of mental ill-health. 
• Working longer hours when not needed – This may be a sign of poor health if being used to distract from worries and act as an escape from anxiety.
• Unrealistic overconfidence or lack of confidence – Some people can act so sure of their abilities that they attempt things that are well beyond their skills.
• Talking about sleep problems – Lasting changes to a person’s sleep patterns could be a symptom of mental ill-health.
• Acting in an obsessive manner – People may get so involved in a task that they cannot stop talking about it or trying to make it ‘perfect’.
• Weight or appetite changes – For some people, fluctuating weight or rapid weight loss could be a sign of mental ill-health.
• Substance abuse – Using substances such as alcohol or drugs to cope can be a sign of mental ill-health. Using substances can also contribute to mental ill-health.
• Withdrawing from the things they used to enjoy – Some people withdraw from the things they used to enjoy, or are reluctant or refuse to join in social activities (especially if this is a major change).

Here are some of the common changes in emotions you may notice:

• Frequently expressing feelings of anxiety or stress – not just occasional worries or stress.
• Displaying a depressed mood or an unhappy state – being sad or irritable for a few weeks or longer, lacking in motivation and energy, losing interest in a hobby or crying often.
• Sudden or large changes in mood – such as extreme distress or anger, particularly if this is unusual for them.

Here are some of the common changes in thinking you may notice: 

• Expressing feeling guilty or worthless – statements like ‘I’m no good at anything’, ‘It’s my fault’ or ‘I’m useless’
• Black or white thinking – statements like ‘I never get this right’
• Catastrophising – thinking that ‘I will probably get fired’ 
• Personalising errors – statements like ‘It is my fault that the team didn’t do well’
• Discussing wanting to hurt or ‘punish’ themselves – when an individual’s mental ill-health is severe, they may express a feeling to hurt themselves or mention intentions to take their own life (e.g. ‘I am worthless’, ‘What is the point’). 

If something does not seem quite right, it is important to start the conversation about getting help. It is equally important to remember that it is not your role to diagnose or suggest treatment plans for people in your workplace. 

You can help by listening, supporting them and encouraging them to seek professional support if they need. Sharing similar experiences in your career and how you sought support may normalise the situation and encourage them to seek support. Knowing what support systems exist within your organisation or externally can help you to suggest options for support.

If something does not seem quite right, it is important to start the conversation about getting help. It is equally important to remember that it is not your role to diagnose or treat people in your workplace. You can help by listening, supporting them and encouraging them to seek professional support if they need.

The signs of mental ill-health are not always obvious. You might just feel like something is not right. 

If you are concerned that someone is at immediate risk of suicide or self-harm, dial 000. There are details of support services on the Urgent Help page. A mentally healthy workplace will have detailed processes for dealing with these situations—learn more here (link to SP module).