If you missed Part one of this series, with some thoughts on how to approach what could be a difficult conversation, you can catch up here. Part two, which talks about having these conversations in the face of strong emotions is here. This third post includes images produced by the amazing Heads together organisation, who do great work to change the conversation around mental health. You can find them here.

As line managers and colleagues in teams we get to know each other pretty well and are usually well placed to notice when someone is behaving out of character. But lockdown and office closures actually have a massive impact on our ability to recognise when people are finding things difficult.

That is harder when we are interacting virtually, but the fact remains that we do know each other and if you do think someone is acting out of character or different from what you expect, then the best thing you can do is to check in with them.

I have taken a list of early signs that someone whose mental wellbeing is suffering from the Mental Health First Aid organisation and listed it at the bottom this piece, but the key thing is recognising when someone's behaviour has changed.

 ​One thing that is worth considering is to have a check in about how people are doing as a standing item on your 1-2-1 catch ups. Initially, this will probably end up just being our standard "How are you?" "Fine. How are you?" conversations that we all have. But over time and if they are entered into genuinely and with empathy, they will start to be come more open and useful.

And don't feel as line manager that you can't be open about how you are doing - showing some vulnerability will really reinforce the value of these conversations. And lets face it, in these times it would be more surprising if everything was always going great!

 And finally, hopefully, we are all going to be taking more interest and offering more support to those around us over their mental wellbeing. And if that is the case then it is absolutely critical that we take time to take care of ourselves - it is like being on an aircraft. They always tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first so you are equipped to help others with theirs. You will be far better placed to support people who need it if you are in a good place yourself.

If you are struggling with anxieties as you return to work and looking for someone to support you then please get in touch at richard@newdaycoaching for a free, no obligation introductory chat to explore how I may be able to help you through this time. https://www.newdaycoaching.co.uk/121-coaching

If you are an employer and would like to talk about how to support people through anxiety and stress above and beyond an EAP then drop me an email at the same address to discuss the benefits holding a session or series of sessions to do just that. https://www.newdaycoaching.co.uk/public-speaking