What do you do if you have a colleague who may have an undetected, undiagnosed, or untreated mental health issue that’s affecting your team’s work? If you suspect that your colleague might be struggling with anxiety, depression, or another mental health issue, think about whether you’re the right person to say something. If you’re a peer or a direct report and you don’t consider the person a friend, then it’s probably not your place. If you’re a manager and the person’s behavior is affecting their or others’ work, then you have an obligation to address the issue. First, create a safe environment where people can talk about these sorts of issues. Focus on the work and how the person’s behavior is affecting the team. Then give the person the opportunity to respond and share what’s going on. Listen in a nonjudgmental way. And get support from others if you need it.
Adapted from "When You're Worried About a Colleague's Mental Health," by Amy Gallo
