Page 12 - GTA South BU Q2 Newsletter

Anxiety
Excessive worrying or fear
Anger or are easily irritated·
Problems concentrating, lack of energy or motivation·
Keeping to themselves, lack of engagement· Multiple physical ailments without obvious causes (such as headaches, stomach aches, vague and ongoing “aches and pains”)·Thinking about suicide·Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
Substance Use -
Signs of possible
misuse
Avoids eye contact·
Has become unusually clumsy: stumbling, lacking coordination, poor balance·
Exhibits mood changes or emotional instability·
Easily angers or becomes uncooperative· Lack of motivation and focus·
Messy appearance, poor personal hygiene· Absenteeism or presenteeism·
Poor performance at work leading to complaints from supervisors and co-workers
Strategies for managing mental health
Stay connected
Help others if you can
Cut back on the amount of time spent on social media and the news
Stay or become active; Explore your house, your yard, your neighborhood.
Focus on what you can control; the now and not the what ifs
Plan, make a schedule and develop a routine Journal•Breath•Reach out if you are struggling
What can you do if suspect someone is struggling
Reach out and express your concerns
Open the door for dialogue and set a time to have a conversation.
Objectively state what you have observed. Be non-judgmental, this allows you to check your assumptions before accusing someone of substance use or impairment.
Provide an opportunity for the employee to explain the behaviour. The employee's explanation should be documented.
Call for medical assistance, where appropriate.
Provide safe transportation home if a decision is made to send the employee home, call a taxi or arrange a ride; make arrangements for someone to meet them there.
You may wish to call the emergency contact that should be listed in the employee's personnel file. Also, make sure the employee is not driving while impaired.