SUPPORT FOR A DISTRESSED COLLEAGUE: HOW TO RECOGNIZE WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS ASSISTANCE

SUPPORT FOR A DISTRESSED COLLEAGUE:HOW TO RECOGNIZE WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS ASSISTANCE

OBJECTIVES

Review signs and symptoms of distress

Identify strategies to help those in need

Familiarize self with community resources for distressed individuals04/19/23 2

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DISTRESS

Everyone experiences distress from time to time

In many cases, signs and symptoms of distress are short lived and our colleagues or friends get better

At other times, signs and symptoms of distress are enduring

In these cases, our colleagues or friends need assistance04/19/23 3

ICE BREAKER

Identify a situation in which you experienced a colleague or friend in distress

What signs and symptoms of distress were present for the person in need of assistance?

What course of action was taken to resolve the problem?

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Marked decrease in work performance including attendance

Complaining of sadness or crying more often Being irritable on most days or having anger

outbursts Losing interest or pleasure in most activities Avoiding friends, activities and social events Escaping by daydreaming or sleeping often Difficulty in falling or staying asleep

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Feeling fatigued or exhausted Eating much more or less than normal or

having other changes in appetite Worrying or being unable to think about

anything but the problem Expressing feelings of hopelessness and

helplessness Conveying feelings of worthlessness Increased use of alcohol and or drugs

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Extreme behavior change Euphoria or manic behavior Increased social isolation Disorientation Thinking or talking about death or dying

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More serious signs include…

Experiencing severe depression and hopelessness Making verbal or written threats to harm self or

others Preparing for death (giving away prized

possessions or saying goodbye) Exhibiting self-injurious or self destructive

behaviors Having a past history of suicidal threats or

attempts04/19/23 8

STRATEGIES TO HELP THOSE IN NEED

Hear (listen) – take time to listen to what your colleague or friend is saying

Empathize – acknowledge what you have heard. Express concern and interest. Reflect feelings and summarize your colleague’s or friend’s concern. Avoid criticizing or judging the distressed individual's concerns.

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Assess – ask questions such as: What have you thought about doing to resolve the problem? What are your options in this situation? What are the pros and cons of different proposed courses of action?

Refer – Encourage your colleague or friend to seek professional assistance to help with problem resolution. Offer to help the individual find the help they need.

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Take Action – Do not ignore the signs of someone in distress. In cases where the signs are very serious such as expressions of intent to harm self or others, seek professional assistance right away.

Note: Consult with a supervisor or administrator when there are concerns about a colleague.

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

University Employee Assistance Program – 882-6701

Police – Emergency – 911

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-TALK

WebMD - http://www.webmd.com/

National Institute of Mental Health - http://www.nimh.nih.gov/

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COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Missouri Domestic Violence Resources - http://www.lsmo.org/Home/PublicWeb/Library/Documents/1091632985.39/doc_Shelters.htm

Community Mental Health Centers in Missouri - http://www.mocmhc.org/

Missouri Area Agencies on Aging - http://www.dhss.mo.gov/AAA/index.html04/19/23 13

Questions

Evaluation

Wrap-Up

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DISCUSSION