When a person is becoming unwell, or is facing greater challenges because of mental health difficulties that they experience, you might notice a difference in their behaviour.

They might less on the ball, more tired than normal or be absent from work more often.  They might be drinking alcohol more, or smoking more.  A member of staff who is usually on time and shows good time keeping might start turning up late or missing meetings or appointments.

You might notice that someone is experiencing problems with colleagues, or is either more quiet than usual, more talkative or more easily distracted.

Other signs, particularly if someone is depressed might be tearfulness, headaches, loss of humour and changes in emotional mood.

It may be that someone is someone is avoiding certain tasks, work environments, colleagues or obligation that they have with which they have not previously had a problem

A good employer will notice these changes and step in early to speak in an open and supportive manner.

Remember, you are looking for signs that someone is experiencing distress, not looking to diagnose them with conditions or to assess their right to be in the workplace.

Tags: behaviour changes, mental distress, mental health difficulties, work environment