How To Support Your Co-Workers When They're Struggling With Their Mental Health

We share a significant part of our day with our colleagues. Amidst deadlines and daily routines, it's crucial to acknowledge that they may be silently struggling. That co-worker you always find smiling, or that team member who seems like the life of a party, or someone you often find spiraling under stress may all deep down be in need in need of our support and care. Being aware of signs of struggle in their behaviour can make a world of difference in their lives.?

As colleagues, we have the power to be active members in creating a psychologically safe environment where all employees feel safe sharing their mental health journeys. Let's explore some practical strategies for supporting our colleagues who might be facing mental health challenges.

How to support your colleagues to overcome mental health challenges

• Break the stigma:? The first step in supporting colleagues with mental health challenges is to normalize vulnerability and have a conversation about mental health. As a team and an organization, it's essential to break the stigma, have open discussions on common forums, and encourage seeking support as a sign of strength, not weakness

• Educate yourself: Each employee can take responsibility for familiarizing themselves with common mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. We must be mindful of how these may present differently in different people. This knowledge will equip us to recognize potential struggles in colleagues and approach them with empathy.?Re: Set's workplace well-being programs ?help employees understand common workplace well-being challenges through our scientifically crafted bespoke courses.?
• Maintain respectful boundaries:? A person's mental health crisis is a personal journey, so it's essential to respect our colleagues' privacy and comfort level. If someone doesn't feel comfortable discussing their mental health or seeking help, we don't pressure them. Instead, let them know that you're there for them whenever they're ready.
• Listening is the key:? Being emotionally present and lending a compassionate ear can immensely benefit our colleagues. While we may have the best intentions, a colleague with mental health challenges may become uncomfortable if we ask too many questions or suggest too many solutions. Instead, we can practice active listening by letting our colleague vent and acknowledge all their feelings by using phrases like "That sounds really tough" or "I can see how you'd be feeling that way" to help validate their experiences.
• Be sensitive:? Language can be an impactful tool in mental health conversations. We can avoid using stigmatizing or dismissive language and steer clear of utterances like "You're stressed out for no reason", ?"Just get over it", or "It's all in your head", which may end up dismissing and trivializing our colleague's very valid struggles.?
• Use humour wisely:? We can use humour to cheer them up or lighten a heavy moment, but it's important to be mindful of our words, avoiding sarcasm or humour that could unintentionally hurt those with mental health issues. Foster an environment of respect and support where everyone feels valued.
• Celebrate small victories:? When someone struggles with their mental health, they may struggle to do the simplest tasks, and they easily dismiss their efforts and feel they're not doing enough. By acknowledging our colleague's effort to successfully complete a challenging task by simply celebrating when they take a well-deserved break, we can help boost their morale and serve as a reminder that prioritizing one's mental health is a win to be celebrated.
• Create peer support groups: Create peer support groups within the organization where colleagues can connect in smaller groups to share their experiences and get support, especially in crises. Peer support can be a powerful tool in promoting resilience and reducing feelings of isolation.
• Offer mental health leaves:? Acknowledge that mental health is just as important as physical health by offering sick leaves for mental health reasons. Encourage colleagues to take time off to prioritize their mental well-being without the guilt or stigma. This gesture shows that the organization values mental health and encourages self-care. At Re:Set, our customized and data-driven support for creating a sustainable Policy Framework aims to support employees in feeling safe and valued in their organization. This leads to long-term benefits like improved focus, job satisfaction, and employee motivation.

By implementing these strategies, we can create a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health and supports colleagues facing challenges. Supporting mental health is our collective responsibility—not just the responsibility of HR, leaders, or management. Re:Set can be your collaborative partner in driving this transformative growth in your organization through our scientifically crafted solutions. Together, let's foster a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to prioritize their mental health. Book a demo today!