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As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s a good time to pause and think about how the people around us are really doing. We all have days when we’re not quite ourselves, but sometimes, those signs can point to something more serious.
Mental health charity Mind says that spotting small changes in behaviour – like a usually chatty person going quiet – can be the first step in helping someone who’s struggling.
Whether you’re on a factory floor or in the office, looking out for your teammates could make a big difference. A kind word or check-in might be just what they need.
1. Becoming quiet or withdrawn
If a normally chatty co-worker becomes quiet as a mouse or starts avoiding others, take note. They might stop joining team chats, skip lunch with everyone, or generally keep to themselves.
Rethink Mental Illness, a UK charity, explains that someone struggling may “not want to be around other people”. This withdrawal is a common sign of stress or low mood.
It matters because isolation can make problems worse. Noticing this change early means you can gently reach out and ask if they’re okay.
2. Getting irritable
Has your easygoing colleague developed a short fuse?
If they’re snapping at people over little things or having wild mood swings, they might be under serious stress. They could get angry or tearful more quickly than before.
The charity Rethink notes that a person might become unusually anxious, irritable or even start arguments when they are struggling. Such irritability isn’t about you – it can be a symptom of their internal worries. Offering patience and a kind word can help break the cycle and show you care.
3. Trouble getting work done
A drop in work quality or focus can be a red flag. Maybe a colleague who was always on top of things is now missing deadlines or making frequent mistakes. They might seem distracted or forgetful and their usual energy at work is gone.
This change can happen when someone is dealing with anxiety or depression. In fact, Rethink notes that a person might be “less able to cope with work” tasks than before if they’re facing mental health issues. If you notice a teammate constantly struggling with their workload, it’s worth checking in. Ask if they’re doing alright or need any support – sometimes just knowing someone cares can relieve some pressure.
4. Frequent absences or lateness
Suddenly taking lots of sick days or often coming in late can be one of the signs that your colleague is not coping. Of course, everyone gets ill occasionally, but a spike in unexplained absences is worth noticing according to charity Mind.
Increased sick leave can signal that someone’s mental wellbeing is suffering. Similarly, you might see a colleague regularly arriving late, leaving early, or taking much longer breaks than usual.
They could be sleeping badly or lacking the motivation to face work each day. Instead of just viewing this as slacking off, consider that it might be a cry for help. A supportive chat to ask if everything is okay could open the door for them to talk.
5. Always working late (overworking)
On the flip side of absence, working very long hours can also be a sign of struggle. If your teammate is suddenly staying late every night, skipping lunch breaks, or emailing at midnight, something might be wrong.
Mind highlights “working far longer hours” as a warning sign that someone is under pressure. They might be overworking to try to catch up, to escape personal issues, or because anxiety is making it hard for them to switch off.
While dedication is admirable, constant overwork can lead to burnout. Gently reminding a colleague to take breaks or asking if they need help with their workload can show them they’re not alone.
6. Often tired or unwell
Mental health can affect physical health. If a usually energetic colleague is running on empty – always tired, yawning, or complaining of headaches – stress might be taking a toll on their body
They might also have more frequent minor illnesses (like colds) due to lowered immunity. Mind lists fatigue (constant tiredness) and headaches as possible signs of poor mental health at work.
Pay attention if someone often says they didn’t sleep well or looks exhausted every day. Being supportive (for example, suggesting a short break or just acknowledging that they seem tired) can encourage them to rest or seek help rather than pushing themselves too hard.
What you can do
If you spot any of these signs in a colleague, don’t ignore it. Trust your instincts – if you feel something is off, it’s good to have a friendly chat. You don’t need to be a doctor or counselor to make a difference. Simply asking “Are you okay? I’ve noticed you seem a bit down,” in a private and kind way can show a struggling person that they’re not invisible and not alone. Listening without judgment and offering support or encouragement to seek help can be life-changing.
Finally, remember to look after yourself too. A supportive workplace is everyone’s responsibility.
For further guidance on helping colleagues (or if you’re the one who needs support) there are great UK resources like Mind (mind.org.uk) or the Mental Health Foundation (mentalhealth.org.uk).
These charities have helpful advice, confidential helplines, and practical tips on mental health. Choosing Rapid Personnel means choosing peace of mind. You get the skilled workforce you need, without the risk. Let’s build a supply chain you can be proud of – ethical, legal, and future-proof.
Get in touch today to find out how we can support your staffing needs the right way.
Categories: Rapid Insights
