Helping someone with stress and mental health problems

Be attentive, recognize that something is happening

If you notice a change in a colleague's behavior in any of the following points, they may be emotionally exhausted or at the end of their rope:

1. A colleague shows signs of dejection, loss of interest in anything, or significant mood swings (crying, yelling, sadness) for an extended period (more than two weeks).

2. A colleague evaluates everything negatively (but wasn't typically a pessimist) or often mentions personal failures.

3. A colleague is generally slowed down, has a lack of energy or, on the contrary, shows restlessness, lack of concentration, forgets excessively, repeatedly does not perceive or hear what was said.

4. A colleague avoids communication, does not maintain eye contact during communication, does not appreciate praise despite obvious interest, or communicates curtly, irritably or even aggressively.

5. A colleague avoids people, breaks off previously functioning relationships and contacts, and is isolated and lonely.

6. A colleague complains of sleep disorders (has difficulty falling asleep, wakes up during the night, cannot get up on time in the morning).

7. A colleague complains about various psychosomatic issues (headaches, joint pain, back pain, he/she is sick to his stomach, especially in a stressful situation, he/she does not eat as before).

8. A colleague has started drinking more or taking various types of sleeping/calming pills without them being recommended by a specialist.

How to communicate properly with people in psychosocial distress

Often we get scared at first and start thinking about what it means for us. But we need to find out more first – notice, ask, describe it, then put it all together, and only then make decisions.

1. Do not label. The fact that someone has trouble getting up in the morning doesn't necessarily mean they are lazy (though it could). They might be burned out, depressed, ill, etc.
2. Describe what I see: 'You seem like you're not completely okay' and listen to the other person.
3. Accept their explanation and calmly ask further, without disputing: 'Yes, it might be the weather, and what else could it be?' Not: 'It definitely isn't the weather.'
4. Ask: 'What could help you right now? Even just a little?'
5. Arm yourself with patience. Don't be afraid to gently ask more than once. Not everyone dares to open up right away. Offer that you are available if they want to talk or need something.
6. Direct them to a professional. Despite the fact that the stigma around seeking psychological help has significantly decreased in recent years, a person is not always able to admit that it’s time to seek professional help. Therefore, it is not good to force the other person, but for example, to use a specific story of someone who sought advice and it helped them. Simply to help the other person break down most barriers and direct them or provide a contact.

What else can you offer to the other person

Shared activity, team sport
Long-term stress causes a reduced interest in sport, which is due to a loss of energy. Therefore, after spending the entire day at work, we don't feel like going for a walk or a run. At the same time, exercising objectively brings us not only greater mental wellbeing by reducing tension and stress, but also positively impacts our health. Even a twenty-minute walk can enrich us with a boost of energy and reduce tension for several hours. When trying to reduce stress or anxiety, moderate-intensity physical activity can be more effective than high-intensity exercise. If you have the capacity and want to help, you can organize a team activity—whether it's a team sport (volleyball, foot tennis, football, etc.) or even a trip to the countryside.

Help others together
By helping others, we often change our perspective on our own concerns. Helping others also brings us spiritual benefits. If you are already engaged in some volunteer work, let the person know and ask if they would like to get involved as well.