SafeTalk guide
How to support a colleague with their mental health
Learn how to start a respectful conversation, listen without diagnosing, offer practical support, and respond to urgent risk.
- About 5 minutes
- Free
- Personalised guidance by email
What changes the answer
Observable change
Speak from what you have noticed, such as withdrawal or difficulty with workload, without guessing a diagnosis.
Permission
Let the person decide whether to talk now, later, or not with you.
Practical support
Ask what would make the next day or conversation easier rather than trying to solve everything.
Open the door without cornering the person
Choose a private moment and say what you observed: “You have seemed under a lot of pressure this week. How are you doing?” Keep your tone ordinary and give them room not to answer.
If they speak, listen more than you question. Thank them for trusting you, reflect what you heard, and ask whether they want listening, practical help, or support finding another person.
- Avoid labels, comparison, and forced positivity.
- Do not share their story to organise help without discussing it first, except where urgent safety duties apply.
- Agree on a small follow-up rather than making a vague promise.
Know the limit of peer support
You can be a colleague and a human being without becoming a clinician or crisis service. Encourage contact with a health professional, manager, occupational health, employee assistance, or another trusted support when appropriate.
If you believe there is immediate danger, follow your organisation’s emergency process and contact local emergency services. Explain what you are doing whenever it is safe to do so.
SafeTalk
Turn this guidance into a decision
General advice cannot see your manager, employment context, support, timing, or previous HR experiences. SafeTalk uses those factors to help you prepare a next step.
Assess my situationA private, 5-minute questionnaire to help you decide what to do next.
Questions people often ask
What if they say they are fine?
Respect the answer, leave the door open, and continue treating them normally. You can check in again if concerns continue.
Should I tell the manager?
Ask the colleague first unless urgent safety or a clear workplace duty requires action. Be transparent about any limit to confidentiality.