How to talk about mental health with your team
Mental health check-ins can help people feel more supported at work, writes Groov VP Clinical Dr Fiona Crichton.
Part of walking the wellbeing talk as a leader is knowing how to check in with your team about mental health. Asking respectful, open questions – such as “how are things in your world?” – shows you care about their wellbeing.
If leading mental health conversations with your team is something you’re new to, or feel a little apprehensive about, Groov is here to help. Our CARE framework includes conversation starters, active listening tips, and what to do if someone is struggling with their mental health.
CARE: A framework for mental health conversations
CARE is about supporting and caring for others while protecting your own wellbeing. It’s about sitting alongside someone and just being there for them – it’s not your job to be a psychologist.
Our CARE acronym will help you to safely check in with someone you might be concerned about.
Check in
Actively listen
Reassure
Encourage help (if needed)
Before you start, make sure you’re in a good place to have a CARE conversation. If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or not in the right frame of mind, see if there’s someone else who can lead the conversation, or reschedule it for another time.
C: Check in
C is for: Check in. Have a conversation starter (like ‘Are you OK?’) and pick a suitable time and place.
Some more conversation starters include:
How are you doing?
What’s been happening for you lately?
I haven’t caught up with you in awhile and wanted to check in about how you’re doing?
How’s life? How’s the family?
What else is happening for you at the moment?
You may need to ask these questions a few times over the course of several weeks or months before someone opens up. Make these questions a normal, consistent part of your regular 1:1s with people. This helps to build trust over time and helps people know you’re there for them.
A: Actively listen
A is for: Actively listen. Your role is to listen without judgement. Show that you’re listening attentively through your body language and small acknowledgements.
Here are some ways you can show you’re actively listening:
Listen without distractions – close your laptop or put away your phone
Respond with open, affirming, non-judgemental statements such as “I see” or “I understand”
Remember, you don’t need to have answers. Simply listening and giving someone time to speak and reflect is a gift. Your role is to listen, not offer advice.
R: Reassure
R is for: Reassure. Help the person understand this isn’t too much for you.
It’s daunting opening up, especially in the workplace. Reassure people that you genuinely want to hear what’s going on in their world and you’re here to provide non-judgemental support.
Here are some ways to reassure:
Be encouraging – “There’s no rush, take your time”
Nod your head occasionally, so they can see you’re really hearing them
Say things like “I’m a safe place, I’m happy to listen”
Reassure people they are not a burden and that you have the space and capacity for this conversation.
E: Encourage help
E is for: Encourage them to get help if needed. Some people may feel better after having the chance to talk, but others might need further support. Remember, their problems are not yours to fix. The best thing to do is to encourage them to get the professional help they need.
Here are some support services you could suggest:
Show them how to download the Groov app
Recommend and direct them to EAP services
Prompt and/or drive them to their GP
Suggest they call or text 1737 (NZ’s free 24/7 helpline) or call 1800 512 348 (Beyond Blue’s helpline in Australia)
It’s common for people to feel ‘frozen’ if they’re struggling with their mental health, so you might need to check in and encourage help several times before they take action. It may also be helpful to offer to sit with them while they call to make an appointment.
Looking after you
Depending on what’s going on for your people, CARE conversations can take a lot of emotional energy. It’s important to protect your own wellbeing while supporting others.
After a CARE conversation, make sure you do something for you:
Do something you enjoy that fills your cup
List three things you’re grateful for in your life
Plan some extra self-care or fun into your day
Move your body in a way that feels good – stretch, walk, dance
Remember, CARE is all about actively listening and showing people you’re there for them, not solving people’s problems. Simply giving people the opportunity to talk is a huge gift and an important part of building trust. You can gently encourage help and point them in the right direction of support services, but their problems are not yours to hold or solve.
About Dr Fiona
Our incredible VP Clinical Dr Fiona Crichton ensures everything Groov does is clinically sound. A health psychology specialist, she has hands-on experience designing effective programmes to improve health behaviour and wellbeing in the community.