Show Notes Ep. 3

Spotting the signs... - How do you know if a colleague is struggling, and what do you do if they are? How best to support your colleagues.

Managers who know their staff and regularly hold one-to-ones to discuss work and wellbeing are placed to spot any signs of stress or poor mental health at an early stage. Often the key is a change in typical behaviour. Symptoms will vary, as each person’s experience of poor mental health is different, but there are some potential indicators to look out for.

Table 1 is not exhaustive, but it offers some useful pointers. However, if one or more of these signs is observed, this does not automatically mean the employee has a mental health problem – it could be a sign of another health issue or something else entirely. It’s important not to make assumptions or judgements, and to be led by the employee. Always take care to talk to the person directly.

Table 1: Indicators of poor mental health 

Physical Psychological Behavioural Fatigue Anxiety or distress Increased smoking and drinking Indigestion or upset stomach Tearfulness Using recreational drugs Headaches Feeling low Withdrawal Appetite and weight changes Mood changes Resigned attitude Joint and back pain Indecision Irritability, anger or aggression Changes in sleep patterns Loss of motivation Over-excitement or euphoria Visible tension or trembling Loss of humour Restlessness Nervous, trembling speech Increased sensitivity Lateness, leaving early or extended lunches Chest or throat pain Distraction or confusion Working for longer hours Sweating Difficulty relaxing Intense or obsessive activity Constantly feeling cold Lapses in memory Repetitive speech or activity  Illogical or irrational thought processes Impaired or inconsistent performance  Difficulty taking information in Uncharacteristic errors  Responding to experiences, sensations or people not observable by others Increased sickness absence  Increased suicidal thoughts Uncharacteristic problems with colleagues   Apparent over-reaction to problems   Risk-taking   Disruptive or anti-social behaviour 

Samaritans - 116 123 FREE

Mind - 0300 102 1234

NHS - 111 or 999

The 8 Minute Catch-up

An idea popularised by Simon Simek based on work by psychologist Dr Robert Waldinger.

Agree an 8 minute time limit at the beginning of the phonecall, or text beforehand (“Have you got 8 minutes?”). The time limit forces both parties to get down to business and be striaght with each other.

https://simonsinek.com/stories/the-incredible-power-of-an-eight-minute-catch-up-with-a-friend/

Kahlon, M.K; Aksan, N; Aubrey, R; et al (2021) - Effect of Layperson-Delivered, Empathy-Focused Program of Telephone Calls on Loneliness, Depression, and Anxiety Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic (A Randomized Clinical Trial). 

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2776786?guestAccessKey=3855e7d5-6f21-4d60-bd6f-d8c524d7ad5e&utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_content=tfl&utm_term=022321

Empathy focussed calls aid Diabetes management

https://www.emjreviews.com/diabetes/news/empathy-focused-phone-calls-found-to-aid-diabetes-management/

Using empathy in Communication

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Using_Empathy_in_Communication

Mental health conditions don’t necessarily stay the same. They can fluctuate over time. If you experience changes in mood, physical health, or behavior, you may need additional support.

Examples of these types of changes are:

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviours
• Sudden sweating, increased heart rate, trouble breathing, or nausea
• Noticeable changes in appetite and eating
• Hallucinations
• Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities you enjoy
• Large gaps in memory
• Disturbed sleep patterns; feeling fatigued no matter how much you sleep
• Outbursts of anger, hostility, or violence

These symptoms may indicate the need for a higher level of care, such as residential or outpatient treatment.

https://www.cipd.org/en/knowledge/guides/mental-health-support-guide/#early-intervention-spotting-the-signs-of-stress-and-poor-mental-health

A key part of spotting the signs is managers being alert to the potential workplace triggers, such as:

• people working long hours and not taking breaks 
• unrealistic expectations or deadlines 
• high-pressure environments 
• unmanageable workloads or lack of control over work 
• negative relationships or poor communication 
• an unsupportive workplace culture or lack of management support 
• job insecurity or poor change management 
• high-risk roles 
• lone working.

External triggers may also affect an employee’s mental health and wellbeing, such as: 

• childhood abuse, trauma or neglect 
• social isolation or loneliness 
• experiencing discrimination and/or stigma 
• social disadvantage, poverty or debt 
• bereavement 
• severe or long-term stress 
• having a long-term physical health condition 
• unemployment or losing your job 
• homelessness or poor housing 
• being a long-term carer for someone 
• drug and alcohol misuse 
• domestic violence, bullying or other abuse as an adult 
• significant trauma as an adult, such as military combat, being involved in a serious incident in which someone fears for their life, or being the victim of a violent crime 
• physical causes – for example, a head injury or a neurological condition such as epilepsy can have an impact on behaviour and mood. It’s important to rule out potential physical causes before seeking further treatment for a mental health problem.