Three tips for supporting a colleague through a crisis
“If there’s anything I can do, just let me know.”
It’s a well-meaning phrase that we’ve all uttered to a colleague or loved one in a moment where we’re anxious but uncertain how we can provide support.
While you may have experienced a colleague informing you directly that they are facing challenges or had a team member express concern about another. It is more likely concerns will be raised through non-verbal or uncharacteristic behaviour.
Some early-warning signs include:
· erratic behaviour
· difficulty making decisions and trouble concentrating
· becoming withdrawn
· unrealistic standards for self and / or others
· exhaustion and headaches.
How you can help them
1. Make it safe
Assure them of privacy but don’t swear yourself to secrecy and set boundaries on your availability. It can be challenging and draining to help a colleague and there is no shame in getting support for yourself independent of the other person.
2. It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it
It is important to ensure your words cannot be misconstrued as judgements or threats as this may provoke guilt in your colleague. Keeping the conversations factual may be able to guide someone to self-analyse their actions, develop coping techniques and support mechanisms.
3. Suggesting counselling
While you are happy to support, it can also be beneficial for the colleague to seek professional support. QLS members, their staff and immediate family members have access to LawCare. LawCare is available face-to-face, over the telephone, via video or via live chat.
For those wishing to take their skills to the next level, QLS offers a blended* Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Officer Course for the Legal Profession. Presented by Belinda Winter, Partner, Cooper Grace Ward, this purpose-built course offers you the opportunity to learn mental health first aid, the risk factors and appropriate evidence-based treatments and support.
While there is no way to completely take away the pain from someone dealing with a crisis, genuine empathy, support and acts of kindness can go a long way.
*Blended module consists of an eLearning and face-to-face component. Participants must complete the eLearning component prior to attending the face-to-face session.
Upcoming event: Minds Count Lecture
Join your colleagues on Thursday 10 October, World Mental Health Day, for this important annual lecture presented in partnership with QLS and Bar Association of Queensland.
Register to attend the Brisbane event or purchase the livecast to tune in on the day.
Visit the program page for more details: http://www.qls.com.au/mindscount
References:
Converge international. (2019). How do I kniw if I’m not okay? Retrieved from https://www.convergeinternational.com.au/docs/default-source/tipsheets/mental-health/how-do-i-know-if-i-39-m-not-ok-cvi1300.pdf?sfvrsn=87a5bc6e_4
Converge international. (2019). Mental Health Awareness and Support. Retrieved from https://www.convergeinternational.com.au/docs/default-source/tipsheets/mental-health/mental-health-awareness-and-support.pdf?sfvrsn=7246bf6e_0
Converge international. (2019) Supporting People in the Aftermth of a Critical Incident. Retrieved from https://www.convergeinternational.com.au/docs/default-source/tipsheets/coping-with-critical-incidents/supporting-people-in-the-aftermath-of-a-critical-incident.pdf?sfvrsn=e61d9b61_12
