Is a colleague withdrawing from interaction or contact around the office?
Has someone you work with started missing a lot of deadlines?
Is one of your staff calling in sick much more frequently?
That someone could even be you.
Any of these behaviours could just be the temporary blues, of course. But they could also be signs of a mental health problem that needs to be addressed, according to a Bell Canada press release.
Mental illness is the fastest growing cause of disability around the world. The World Health Organization estimates that depression alone impacts 154 million people globally. For Canadians aged 15 to 44, it is the leading cause of disability.
That's difficult for the people involved. But it also takes a toll on the Canadian economy - lost productivity due to mental illness costs more than $50 billion each year.
HELP TO GET HELP
So, what do you do if you suspect someone you work with is suffering from a mental illness?
Too often, people do nothing or even withdraw from contact with people they think may have mental health issues - not because they don't care but because they simply don't know what to do.
There are things we can and should do, given that early diagnosis and treatment is key to recovery. If someone seems inordinately distracted, is behaving "out of character" or shows other signs of depression or anxiety, be as supportive as you can.
If you have a trusting relationship with your colleague, you should talk to them about how they're feeling. If they indicate they're depressed, anxious or otherwise under a mental strain, encourage them to get help by talking to a professional.
Trust in these conversations is essential. With the unfortunate reality of stigma around mental illness, being able to assure the person their issues will remain confidential, and that you will not judge, is key. That's especially true if you supervise the person.
You can find out what mental health programs are available in your company by contacting your company's human resources team.
For advice on dealing with mental illness and seeking help, you can also contact your local Canadian Mental Health Association branch through cmha.ca.
For more information - and to join the Bell Let's Talk national conversation on mental health - please visit bell.ca/letstalk.
