If you’ve been in the workforce much time at all, I’m sure you’ve noticed varied types of behavior from other employees. Some of this is simply due to individual personality traits. But other times, behavior may signal something deeper, such as a mental health issue.
The conduct of co-workers is learned over time—after watching them react to the normal cycle of a workplace. And whether you and your associate’s office are in a traditional setting or from home, signs will eventually show up.
Some characteristics of staff members who are having difficulties with their mental well-being:
Apathy. This will show up as a general “I don’t care” attitude about most matters related to the job. In meetings, you’ll notice this person giving as little input as possible if any. They’ve basically shut down to you and everyone else.
Disheveled appearance. We all have bad hair days and such when our look isn’t as pulled together as usual. But when a coworker is suffering from some mental health issues, they will likely begin to look rather unkempt on a consistent basis. Their hair might start appearing messy or overgrown, and their clothing could be wrinkled and shabby each time they come to the office.
Lax in their work. The person who was once a productive contributor to work projects is now someone who does the minimal amount required to just get by each day. His concern is no longer about the betterment of the company. Thoughts have turned inward instead, usually in negative terms.
Mood swings. Irritability, depression, frustration—it’s all a rollercoaster effect when it comes to their emotional stability. The normal stresses of the workday will either set them off in fury or they’ll appear completely uncaring about any of it.
Fearful. A common fear for those suffering from many types of mental health issues is that they will lose their job and become further cast away from the support they desperately need during this time. Fear and anxiety are feelings that many individuals experience throughout a given day.
Withdrawn. As a person’s mental well-being worsens, they will become more and more withdrawn. Someone who had been an active participant in work-related outings to lunch or after-work gatherings no longer wants to go. You’ll notice them eating alone or leaving as soon as possible at the end of the day rather than even saying goodbye to coworkers.
Abuse of substances. Sadly, many individuals with mental health problems turn to drugs and alcohol for an escape from their dark feelings of despair. They feel these substances offer a way of managing their thoughts and feelings that human interaction no longer provides for them.
Some common mental health issues include:
Post-traumatic stress disorder
How you can help
Normally, you’d want to talk with a co-worker if you think they’re having serious mental health issues. However, according to Anna Ranieri, a licensed therapist, executive coach, and co-author of How Can I Help? there are two times when talking directly with a colleague may not be the best thing to do. Those situations include:
- When the “behavior is so unpredictable and frightening that you’re worried they might be putting themselves or others in danger.
- When you believe talking to the person would put you at risk. Perhaps you’re worried about his reaction, or she’s your boss and you worry it will change your relationship.
“That’s where you might talk with HR or the person’s manager if you feel the third party will handle it appropriately and confidentially,” Ranieri says.