Supporting teammates in distress

Being part of a team means you often see a teammate's ups and downs up close, sometimes before anyone else does. Knowing how to respond when something seems wrong can make a genuine difference.

What it is

Supporting a teammate in distress means noticing changes in someone's mood, behaviour or performance that suggest they might be struggling, and knowing how to respond with care rather than avoidance. You don't need to be a professional or have the answers - you just need to notice, ask, listen and help connect them to support. Many people who are struggling say it was a teammate or friend simply asking "are you okay?" and meaning it that made the difference in them reaching out for help.

Signs to notice

• Withdrawing from the team, socially or in training
• A noticeable drop in performance, motivation or focus
• Increased irritability, tearfulness or flatness
• Talking about feeling hopeless, worthless, or like a burden to others
• Giving away possessions, saying goodbye in unusual ways, or talking about not being around in future
• Increased use of alcohol or substances, or changes in sleep and eating

What helps

• Ask directly and calmly - "I've noticed you don't seem yourself, are you okay?" - and be prepared to really listen to the answer
• If you're worried about suicide, ask directly - "are you thinking about ending your life?" - this does not increase risk, and it can open the door to getting help
• Listen without judgement or trying to fix everything yourself - your role is to support and connect, not to treat
• Encourage them to speak to a coach, team doctor, EAP counsellor or SADAG, and offer to help them make that first contact
• Don't leave someone alone if you believe they are in immediate danger - stay with them and get emergency help
• Follow up afterwards - distress rarely resolves in one conversation, and knowing someone still cares matters

When to reach out for help

If a teammate talks about wanting to die, harm themselves, or not wanting to be here anymore, or if you believe they are in immediate danger, treat this as an emergency. Stay with them if it's safe to do so and get help immediately - do not wait to see if it passes.

Getting help in South Africa

Cleared Mind's EAP counsellors can support both you and your teammate, and can advise you on how to help someone reach support. SADAG's Mental Health Line (011 234 4837) is available for guidance on supporting someone else.

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If you or someone else is in immediate danger, reach out now. SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24h): 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393. SAPS 10111, ambulance 10177, GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428.