These tips explain what to do (and what not to do) when someone at work struggles with depression, anxiety, or other mental and behavioral health issues. More information at www.DrJulieConnor.com

1. When Someone at Work
Has a Mood Disorder
Julie Connor, Ed.D.
TED Speaker | Educator | Author
Leadership & Collaboration Consultant

2. Mental Health & Workplace Statistics
• 1 in 5 U.S. adults struggle with mental
disorders every year
• 29% of U.S. adults are diagnosed
with an anxiety disorder [phobias,
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD), etc.]
• Mental illness is the leading cause
of workplace absenteeism.

3. • Objective #1: Identify mood
disorder symptoms and triggers
• Objective #2: Discover
communication tools
• Objective #3: Distinguish between (a)
positive support and (b) less effective
behaviors
Objectives

4. • Build a Support Network
• Identify Community Resources
• Use Tools to Plan & Manage Time
• Find a Positive Role Model or Sponsor
• Connect with
Positive People
• Act As If
Mood Disorder Tools for Individuals

5. SUGGESTED READING:
Anxiety & Panic Attacks: Their Cause & Cure,
(Robert Handly; 1985)
The Language of Letting Go,
(Melody Beattie; 1990)
The Courage to Change (Al-Anon)
Days of Healing, Days of Joy (Ernie Larson,
Hazeldon; 1987)
Guided Meditations (YouTube)
Five Minute Delight: Tiny Meditations to Relax &
De-Stress (Rohini Gupta; 2016)
Mood Disorder Tools for Individuals

6. Use Positive Communication
Tools
• This is what happened …
• This is how I felt …
• This is what I need …
Mood Disorder Tools for Individuals

7. • Set Goals / Track Progress / Reward Gains
• Expect Positive Outcomes / Readjust Your Thinking
• Develop Positive Self-Talk
• Exercise / Yoga
• Adjust Diet (Reduce caffeine, sugar, stimulants that
trigger anxiety; alcohol and other depressants)
• Write Positive Affirmations
• Vision Board / Artistic Expression
• Journaling
• Create a Gratitude List (Even if you don’t want to)
Mood Disorder Tools for Individuals

8. • HALT – hungry, angry, lonely, tired
• Post Positive Quotations / Recovery Slogans
First Things First, Act As If
Feelings Aren’t Facts
FEAR: False Evidence Appearing Real
Keep It Simple
This Too Shall Pass
• Play & Have Fun
• Calming Music & Relaxation Tools
Mood Disorder Tools for Individuals

9. • Respect privacy and avoid discussing their diagnosis
in the workplace.
• Report concerns to your employer.
- Be specific
- Describe observable behaviors
- Immediately report intentions
to hurt self or others
• Set appropriate boundaries. Never tolerate abuse.
What EMPLOYEES Should Do

10. • Contact HR or organizational department to share
concerns; create plan
• Discuss concerns with individual per policy
• Offer support & resources within organization and
community.
• Create a plan to meet goals.
• Set appropriate boundaries.
Never tolerate abuse.
What EMPLOYERS Should Do

11. • Establish workplace norms.
• Do not tolerate bullying or abusive behavior.
• Discuss inappropriate behavior with individual or mediator.
Describe the situation, how you feel, and what you need or
want. “When _____ happens, I feel _____. I need _____."
• Use “I” statements
• Ask clarifying questions
• Focus on solutions
• Document and report bullying
to your supervisor.
Set Appropriate Boundaries at Work

12. • Show concern – but avoid over-concern
• Refrain from name-calling or ridicule (i.e:
“hypochondriac”)
• Refrain from diagnosing
• Refrain from offering advice
• Avoid gossip
• Never tolerate abuse
What NOT to Do

13. Communication
• Identify issue
• Create norms
• Establish boundaries
• Ask clarifying questions
• Listen
• Focus on present issue
• Use respectful nonverbal communication

14. When engaging in a
:
• Calm down / Select time to talk
• Use “I “ statements.
When ________ happens, I feel _______.
I need ________.
• Set boundaries.
When ________ happens, I feel _______. I need
_____.
Clarify.
“I heard you say ____. Is that what you meant?”

15. • Keep accurate records
• Track progress
• Break down responsibilities into
chunks (schedule, planner, etc.)
• Conduct follow-up reviews
• Refer to staff and community resources
Document & Report

16. Julie A. Connor, Ed.D.
Speaker / Educator
Collaboration & Leadership Consultant
913-617-9979
julie@drjulieconnor.com
www.DrJulieConnor.com
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