How to Support Someone Experiencing Depression or Mental Health Challenges in the Workplace
Work can be an important source of connection, purpose and routine, but it can also become difficult when someone is experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges.
You may notice a colleague who seems different lately. They may have become quieter, withdrawn from the team, missed deadlines or stopped taking part in conversations they normally enjoy. You might be concerned but unsure whether you should say something - or worried about saying the wrong thing.
Supporting someone at work doesn't mean you need to be a mental health expert. Often, small actions such as checking in, listening without judgement and helping someone access appropriate support can make a meaningful difference.
For employers and employees across New Zealand, creating a workplace where people feel comfortable talking about mental health can also contribute to a healthier, more supportive working environment.
What Can Depression and Poor Mental Health Look Like at Work?
Depression and other mental health difficulties can affect people in different ways. Not everyone experiencing depression will appear obviously sad or distressed.
At work, you might notice changes such as:
Reduced concentration or difficulty making decisions
Taking longer to complete usual tasks
Increased mistakes or forgetfulness
Becoming unusually quiet or withdrawn
Irritability or frustration
Frequently arriving late or taking more time off
Losing interest in work or activities they previously enjoyed
Appearing tired or lacking energy
Difficulty managing normal workloads
Changes in communication with colleagues
Avoiding meetings or social situations
Seeming overwhelmed by tasks that previously felt manageable
These changes don't necessarily mean someone has depression. There can be many reasons for changes in someone's behaviour or performance, including stress, physical health problems, relationship difficulties, grief, financial pressure or problems outside of work.
The important thing is to avoid making assumptions and instead approach the person with care.
Why Might Someone Be Struggling With Their Mental Health at Work?
Mental health is influenced by many factors, both inside and outside the workplace.
Someone may be experiencing:
Heavy workloads or unrealistic deadlines
Workplace conflict
Bullying or harassment
Job insecurity or organisational change
Long working hours
Burnout
Financial difficulties
Relationship or family problems
Grief or loss
Physical health difficulties
Major life changes
Anxiety or depression
Difficult experiences from the past
Sometimes work itself isn't the cause of someone's difficulties, but workplace pressures can make existing challenges harder to manage.
How Can You Support a Colleague Experiencing Depression?
1. Check In With Them
One of the simplest things you can do is ask how they are.
You don't need to have a complicated conversation. Something as simple as:
"I've noticed you don't seem quite yourself lately. How are you going?"
can open the door to a conversation.
Choose a private and appropriate setting where they won't feel embarrassed or pressured to talk in front of colleagues.
2. Listen Without Trying to Fix Everything
If someone opens up about their mental health, you don't need to immediately provide solutions.
Sometimes people simply need someone to listen.
Try to avoid responses such as:
"Everyone feels like that sometimes."
"You just need to think positively."
"Things could be worse."
"You need to get out more."
"Just try not to worry about it."
Instead, acknowledge what they're telling you.
You might say:
"That sounds really difficult."
or:
"I'm glad you told me. Is there anything I can do to support you?"
Listening without judgement can help someone feel less alone.
3. Don't Pressure Them to Share More Than They're Comfortable With
Someone may not want to discuss personal details at work - and that's okay.
You can show concern without asking intrusive questions.
For example:
"You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to. I just wanted you to know I'm here if you need support."
Respecting someone's privacy is particularly important when discussing mental health in the workplace.
4. Encourage Them to Seek Professional Support
Friends and colleagues can provide support, but they aren't a replacement for professional help.
If someone is struggling, gently encourage them to speak with a GP, counsellor or other appropriate mental health professional.
If your workplace provides an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), remind them that this may be an option.
You could say:
"Would it help if I helped you find someone to talk to?"
rather than telling them what they should do.
5. Ask What Would Help at Work
If you're in a position to provide workplace support, ask what might make things more manageable.
Depending on the situation, this could include:
Clarifying priorities
Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps
Temporarily adjusting workloads where appropriate
Allowing flexibility around appointments
Providing a quieter workspace
Agreeing on regular check-ins
Helping someone access workplace support services
Not every adjustment will be appropriate for every person. The best approach is to have an open conversation about what they need.
What If You're a Manager or Employer?
Managers can play an important role in creating a workplace where employees feel safe asking for support.
You don't need to diagnose an employee or become their therapist. Your role is to notice changes, have supportive conversations, understand what workplace support may be available and respond appropriately.
A manager might say:
"I've noticed you've seemed under a lot of pressure recently. I wanted to check in and see how you're doing and whether there's anything we can do to support you at work."
Focus on the person's wellbeing and work needs rather than trying to determine whether they have a particular mental health condition.
It's also important to maintain appropriate confidentiality. Information about an employee's mental health should be treated sensitively and only shared when there is a legitimate reason to do so.
Supporting Mental Health in New Zealand Workplaces
Mental health is increasingly recognised as an important part of workplace wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A supportive workplace isn't simply one where employees are encouraged to "look after themselves". It is also one where workplace factors such as workload, relationships, leadership, bullying, psychological safety and organisational culture are taken seriously.
For Māori employees, wellbeing may also be understood through connections with whānau, whakapapa, whenua, wairua and community, rather than solely through an individual lens.
Workplaces in New Zealand include people from many different cultural backgrounds, and people may have different understandings of mental health, help-seeking and wellbeing.
A culturally responsive approach means avoiding assumptions and taking the time to understand what support looks like for the individual.
When Should Someone Seek Professional Help?
It may be time to encourage professional support when mental health difficulties are starting to significantly affect someone's everyday life.
This could include:
Ongoing low mood or hopelessness
Persistent anxiety or worry
Difficulty functioning at work
Significant changes in sleep or appetite
Withdrawal from friends, family or colleagues
Increasing reliance on alcohol or other substances to cope
Feeling unable to manage normal responsibilities
Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
Someone doesn't have to reach breaking point before seeking help.
If you're thinking, "I need help with anxiety", "I can't cope with work anymore", or "I need help with depression", talking with a professional can be a useful first step.
If someone is in immediate danger or may hurt themselves or someone else, seek urgent professional help rather than trying to manage the situation alone.
How Can Workplace Counselling Help?
Workplace counselling can give employees a confidential space to talk about what they're experiencing and explore practical ways of coping.
Counselling may help someone:
Manage stress and anxiety
Understand and cope with depression
Work through workplace conflict
Develop healthier coping strategies
Manage difficult emotions
Improve confidence and communication
Navigate major life changes
Address burnout
Work through personal issues affecting work
Develop strategies for managing workplace pressures
Counselling can also help employees understand the relationship between what is happening at work and what they are experiencing personally.
Different therapeutic approaches may be used depending on the person's needs, including cognitive behavioural approaches, solution-focused therapy, acceptance-based approaches and other evidence-informed counselling methods.
The focus should always be on the individual rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
What Happens in a Workplace Counselling Session?
For someone who has never had counselling before, making an appointment can feel intimidating.
The first session is generally an opportunity to talk about what has been happening and what they would like help with.
A counsellor may ask about:
What has brought them to counselling
How they have been feeling
How their mental health is affecting work or home life
Current sources of stress
What they would like to change
What support they already have
They don't need to know exactly what is wrong or have a diagnosis before attending.
Counselling is a confidential space where someone can talk openly and work with a professional to identify practical ways forward.
What If You're the Person Struggling?
Sometimes it's easier to recognise that a colleague needs help than to admit that you need it yourself.
If work has become overwhelming, you're struggling to concentrate, constantly anxious or finding it difficult to get through the day, you don't have to wait until things become unmanageable.
You can start by talking to someone you trust, your GP, your workplace's support service or a counsellor.
Searching for "counselling in New Zealand", "workplace counselling NZ", "depression help NZ", "therapy for anxiety NZ" or "counsellor near me NZ" can be a starting point for finding support.
Take Mental Health Seriously - Without Judgement
Supporting someone's mental health at work doesn't require you to have all the answers.
It starts with noticing when someone may be struggling, checking in, listening and helping them connect with appropriate support.
For employers, providing access to professional counselling can also give employees a confidential place to address personal and workplace challenges before they become more difficult to manage.
At Employment Counselling Services New Zealand (ECS), we provide counselling support for employees experiencing workplace stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, personal difficulties and other challenges affecting their wellbeing at work.
Whether you're an employee looking for support or an employer wanting to provide better support for your team, professional counselling can be an important part of a healthier workplace.
Contact ECS today to find out how workplace counselling could support you or your employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I support a depressed colleague at work?
Start by checking in privately and listening without judgement. You don't need to diagnose them or solve the problem. Ask what support they might need and, where appropriate, encourage them to access professional or workplace support.
What should I say to an employee who is struggling with their mental health?
Keep the conversation simple and compassionate. You could say, "I've noticed you've seemed under a lot of pressure lately. How are you doing?" Give them an opportunity to talk without forcing them to disclose personal information.
Can depression affect work performance?
Yes. Depression can affect concentration, energy, motivation, decision-making and communication. However, changes in work performance can have many causes, so it's important not to assume that an employee has depression.
Should I tell my employer that I have depression?
You don't necessarily need to disclose a diagnosis or personal details to everyone at work. Whether to tell your employer depends on your circumstances. If your mental health is affecting your ability to work, talking with an appropriate manager or HR representative about the support you need may be helpful.
Is workplace counselling confidential in New Zealand?
Counselling services generally have confidentiality requirements, although there are important exceptions, particularly where there are serious concerns about someone's safety. Employees should ask the counselling provider about confidentiality and how information is handled before beginning counselling.
Can workplace counselling help with anxiety?
Yes. Counselling can help employees understand anxiety, develop coping strategies and work through factors contributing to their distress. If you're searching for "anxiety help NZ" or "therapy for anxiety NZ", workplace counselling may be one option to consider.
What is an Employee Assistance Programme?
An Employee Assistance Programme, commonly called EAP, provides employees with access to confidential support for personal or work-related concerns. Depending on the provider and workplace arrangement, this may include counselling and other wellbeing services.
Can employers provide counselling without monthly fees?
Some workplace counselling providers offer flexible arrangements where businesses pay when counselling is accessed rather than paying a fixed monthly fee. This can allow employers to provide support while only paying for the services their employees use.
How do I find workplace counselling near me in NZ?
Search for "workplace counselling near me NZ", "employee counselling NZ" or "workplace mental health support NZ", and look for a provider with experience supporting employees and organisations.
You Don't Have to Face It Alone
Mental health difficulties can affect anyone, including people who appear to be coping well on the outside.
A supportive conversation, access to professional counselling and a workplace culture that takes wellbeing seriously can all make a difference.
If you or someone in your workplace is struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, burnout or another mental health concern, ECS is here to help.
Get in touch with Employment Counselling Services New Zealand to discuss workplace counselling and support for your employees.