Staff member starts acting out of character…..what would you do?
Belle is a manager of a team of health professionals and a Mental Health First Aider. She recently noticed that one of her staff were acting out of character. Previously that had been capable and managed their time well. Over the last few week Belle noticed that 'Sal' was not getting her work done and was staying late nearly every day. A quick check of the administration system showed that notes were being entered between 6 and 8 pm and were not us to Sal's usual standard.
Belle had a regular supervision session planned and she carefully prepared how she would approach Sal about the issues. When Belle discussed with Sal what she had noticed Sal said, 'I didn't realise I was staying so late.' Belle enquired about what was happening for Sal? Sal replied with a lot of issues but nothing that Belle could get a grip on. Belle did notice that Sal mentioned her mum with anger a lot.
Belle gently asked Sal about her mum and Sal told her that at the time in her life when she was having her first child her mother started acting strangely and doing things Sal did not approve of. Sal said that she became increasingly angry with her mother and this led to an estrangement that lasted until her mother died.
Belle checked with Sal, 'so you didn't make up with your mother before she died?' Sal stated 'no, and I'm still mad at her 17 years later.' Belle asked Sal if she had ever sought help to work through this time in her life. Sal replied 'no, why would I'
Belle tells me she was nervous to ask the next question but did it anyway. 'Do you think that your unresolved issues with your mother may be affecting your mental health?' Sal took some time to think about this and then said 'it may be, I'm awful to my family and am trying to avoid them, I'm not managing at work…..It's the anniversary of her death next week and I've spent a long time trying to work out how to stay angry with her….I don't know what to do if I'm not angry with her.' 'I think I might be depressed!' This was a shock realisation to Sal but made it easier to talk about a way forward.
Belle was able to talk about all the different kinds of help available and Sal decided to contact her GP and get a referral to a psychologist to assist her.
Great Mental Health First Aid, Belle! You approached the person, listened non-judgmentally, gave her support and encouraged her to get appropriate professional help.
Belle tells me that Sal is seeing the psychologist and feels that it is helping her. At work Belle is usign the Mental Health First Aid Australia guidlines for Helping employees sucessfully return to work following Depression.
