Episode 3 - Spotting the Signs

Show Notes Ep. 3Spotting 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 FREEMind - 0300 102 1234NHS - 111 or 999The 8 Minute Catch-upAn 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=022321Empathy focussed calls aid Diabetes managementhttps://www.emjreviews.com/diabetes/news/empathy-focused-phone-calls-found-to-aid-diabetes-management/Using empathy in Communicationhttps://www.physio-pedia.com/Using_Empathy_in_Communication