SUPPORT FOR A DISTRESSED COLLEAGUE:
HOW TO RECOGNIZE WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS
ASSISTANCE
OBJECTIVES
 Review
 Identify
signs and symptoms of distress
strategies to help those in need
 Familiarize
self with community
resources for distressed individuals
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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
assistance
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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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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
DISTRESS







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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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
DISTRESS






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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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
DISTRESS




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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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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
DISTRESS

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 attempts




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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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STRATEGIES TO HELP
THOSE IN NEED

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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STRATEGIES TO HELP
THOSE IN NEED

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/Doc
uments/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.html
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DISCUSSION

Questions

Evaluation

Wrap-Up
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