Almost one in three of us has experienced a mental health problem while in employment. That might be more common than you thought. Still, if you’re managing someone with a mental health problem and you’re not sure how to respond.
Tips:
- You don’t have to be an expert to be in your colleague’s corner; listening and not judging are some of the most significant things you can do.
- Take their lead: show an interest in their condition and how it affects them, but be aware that it can be hard to have conversations about your mental health at work, so be patient.
- In the longer term, having regular catch-ups and supervisions can help both parties recognise stress or other signs to watch out for. You may also need to consider any adjustments you need to make to support them.
Read Mind’s guide to managing someone with a mental health problem
“I kept my anxiety and depression concealed from my employer for as long as I possibly could, because I was worried people would treat me differently or it would affect my chance of progression. It was only when I got to breaking point that I finally had a conversation with my manager - Ruth. Luckily for me, she has been incredible in supporting me over the last 18 months and this has been a significant factor in my recovery.”