How to Spot the Early Signs of Mental Health Struggles at Work

Mental health is as important as physical health—yet it often goes unnoticed until a crisis occurs. For employers, managers, and colleagues alike, being able to recognise the early signs of mental health struggles at work can make a significant difference in someone’s wellbeing, and even their safety.

Early intervention is key. The sooner a problem is acknowledged, the easier it can be to manage, support, and resolve.

Mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression don’t usually appear overnight. They tend to develop gradually, with subtle changes in behaviour, mood, and performance. If these changes are spotted early, support can be offered before the situation worsens—potentially preventing long-term absence, poor job performance, or serious emotional distress.

Everyone expresses mental strain differently, but there are common indicators that someone may be struggling. These signs generally fall into three categories: emotional, behavioural, and physical.

• Increased irritability or sensitivity
• Low mood or frequent tearfulness
• Unusual quietness or withdrawal
• Signs of being overwhelmed or overly anxious

• Sudden drop in productivity or quality of work
• Frequent lateness or increased absenteeism
• Avoiding social interactions or team activities
• Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
• Becoming unusually defensive or uncooperative

• Noticeable tiredness or fatigue
• Changes in appearance (e.g. looking unkempt)
• Loss of appetite or weight changes
• Physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches without clear cause

It’s not your job to diagnose mental health conditions—but you do have a responsibility to create a supportive environment. If you notice someone may be struggling, here are some helpful steps:

Find a quiet moment to check in. Keep it informal and non-confrontational. A simple “Are you okay?” or “I’ve noticed you seem a bit down lately—is everything alright?” can go a long way.

Give them space to speak. Don’t rush to offer solutions, just listening can be the most valuable support you can offer.

Let them know about any mental health resources available, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), counselling services, or wellbeing policies.

Consider temporary adjustments to help reduce pressure, such as flexible hours, extended deadlines, or lighter workloads.

Spotting the early signs of mental health struggles becomes easier in a workplace where people feel comfortable being honest. You can encourage this by:

• Promoting mental health awareness across the business
• Providing mental health training to managers
• Leading by example—being open about your own challenges can help others feel safe to do the same
• Recognising the signs in yourself and others

Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of job title, background, or experience. By learning to recognise the early warning signs and approaching them with compassion and understanding, you can make your workplace safer, healthier, and more resilient.

A supportive conversation could be the turning point someone needs. Don’t underestimate the power of simply noticing and caring.