Talking about mental health at work can be tricky, but it’s important if you’re worried about a colleague who might be struggling. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, or something else, starting that conversation might feel awkward, but it’s necessary.
Here are some tips to help you navigate these conversations with care and understanding:
Be Patient: It might take a few tries to get the conversation going, or you might find yourself waiting in silence for a response. That’s totally fine. There’s no need to rush. Make sure you pick a time when neither of you is distracted or in a hurry, and let the conversation happen naturally.
Listen More Than You Talk: If you ask a question and they start to open up, just listen. Don’t interrupt or jump in with your thoughts—just listen. Silence can be powerful, so give them the space to share what they’re going through without feeling pressured.
Don’t Jump In with Solutions: It’s tempting to try to fix things, but sometimes people just need to feel heard and understood. Let them talk without offering advice or solutions right away. You can ask gentle questions like, “What’s that like for you?” or “Can you tell me more about that?” But hold off on giving advice unless they specifically ask for it.
Be Supportive and Non-Judgmental: You might not fully understand what they’re going through, and that’s okay. The key is to be supportive without judging. Avoid saying things like, “You’ll regret this later,” or “That’s a silly thing to feel.” If something surprises you, be honest, but also reassure them that you’re here to talk about it. If you’re unsure about something, it’s okay to say, “I don’t know much about this, but I can find out more and we can talk again.”
Don’t Minimise Their Feelings: What they’re dealing with might seem small to you, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a big deal to them. Avoid saying things like, “You won’t even remember this in five years.” All feelings are valid, and it’s important to acknowledge their experience without dismissing it.
Avoid Comparisons to Your Own Experiences: It’s natural to want to relate, but saying things like, “When I was your age…” can make it seem like you’re minimising their experience or being critical. Instead, if you think your experience might help, ask if they’d like to hear about it. For example, you could say, “I went through something similar—would you like to hear how I handled it?” This keeps the focus on them and their needs.
If you’d like to learn more, check out one of my workshops or training sessions.