SUPPORT FOR A DISTRESSED COLLEAGUE:

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 individuals

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

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?

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

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

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DISTRESS • Extreme behavior change • Euphoria or manic behavior • Increased social isolation • Disorientation • Thinking or talking about death or dying

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

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.html

DISCUSSION • Questions • Evaluation • Wrap-Up

SUPPORT FOR A DISTRESSED COLLEAGUE: