Often the road to recovery starts with a conversation.
The following steps can help you to provide early support and connect with a fellow SLS member (or significant other) showing signs or expressing symptoms of work-related stress or critical incident stress.
- Ask—choose a relatively private and informal time and ask them if they are OK.
- Listen—take what they say seriously and do not judge them or rush the conversation.
- Encourage action—ask what self-help actions they want to take; be supportive.
- Check in—ask how they are going every few days.
For more information on how to start a conversation, refer to the RUOK website or consider taking a Mental Health First Aid course.