Helping a colleague in crisis

Noticing a colleague is struggling and not knowing what to say is common. You don't need special training to help - you just need to show up with care.

What's happening

Workplaces are where many of us spend most of our waking hours, which means colleagues often notice changes in each other before anyone else does. A colleague in crisis may be dealing with a mental health struggle, a personal loss, financial strain, or thoughts of suicide. Your role isn't to fix it or diagnose them - it's to notice, ask, and connect them to support.

Signs to notice

• A sudden change in mood, energy, or work quality.
• Withdrawing from team interactions or going quiet in meetings.
• Making comments about being a burden, hopelessness, or not seeing a future.
• Increased absenteeism, lateness, or difficulty concentrating.
• Visible distress: tearfulness, agitation, or seeming "checked out".
• Giving away personal items or tying up loose ends unexpectedly.

What helps

• Find a private, quiet moment and ask directly: "I've noticed you don't seem yourself lately. How are you really doing?"
• If you're worried about suicide, ask clearly: "Are you thinking about ending your life?" Asking does not plant the idea - it opens the door to honesty.
• Listen without interrupting, judging, or rushing to solutions. Sometimes being heard is the most powerful support.
• Avoid saying "just relax" or comparing their pain to others. Acknowledge that what they're feeling is real.
• Help them contact support rather than leaving them to do it alone - offer to sit with them while they call the SADAG helpline or your EAP.
• Loop in a manager or HR if there's immediate risk, following your workplace's crisis protocol.
• Follow up in the days after. A short message saying "thinking of you, how are you doing?" matters more than people expect.
• Look after yourself too - supporting someone in crisis can be heavy. Debrief with your own support system or EAP counsellor.

When to reach out for help

If a colleague mentions a plan to harm themselves, has access to means, or you believe they are in immediate danger, do not leave them alone. Contact emergency services or a crisis line together, and inform a manager or HR promptly.

Getting help in South Africa

Cleared Mind's EAP offers confidential counselling for both the person in crisis and you as the colleague supporting them. Encourage them to call the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837 for ongoing support, and know that reaching out to a manager or HR is not a betrayal of trust - it can save a life.

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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.