Know the signs

• Appearing sad or depressed for more than two weeks at a time
• Increased tardiness and absenteeism
• Decreased productivity
• Increased conflict among coworkers
• Extreme mood swings
• Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
• Decreased self-confidence
• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Acting anxious, agitated or reckless
• Near hits, incidents and injuries
• Withdrawing from family and friends
• Talking about being a burden to others

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• If you notice any of the common warning signs of mental illness, it’s important to ask questions
• Try to understand what they’re experiencing and how their daily life is impacted
• Making this connection is often the first step to getting treatment

Worried about your own mental health?

Tell someone: A family member, close friend, co-worker, manager. You can also get confidential, professional advice any time by calling your EAP provider.

What to say:

• “I haven’t felt like myself lately, and I don’t know what to do. Can I talk to you about it?”
• “I’m worried about stuff that’s going on right now, do you have time to talk?”
• “I’m having a really hard time; will you go with me to see someone?”

Source: Getting the right start (NAMI)

• Ask open-ended questions:  Take time to be curious and understand what their fears are.
• Be supportive: Thank them for being willing to speak with you. If they don’t want to talk, let them know that you’ll be there when they’re ready.
• Show you’re listening: Listen carefully to what they’re saying. When it’s your turn to talk, repeat back what you heard them say. This helps them to feel understood and corrects any misunderstandings.
• Bring it all together:  At the end of your talk, give a summary of what you heard them say and any actions they want to take. If they want to get help, ask how you can support them. Also, ask if you can follow up with them to check-in.

Source: How to talk to someone about getting help (NAMI)