Worried About a Colleague

Worried about a colleague?

A caring nudge could save a life.

Health and care professionals often wait too long to get help and can face lots of barriers to doing so. A simple check-in from a colleague can be the turning point.

How to Start a Conversation

You don’t have to be an expert - you just need to care. Try the SPIRE framework:

Spot the signs
Provide space - private, non-judgmental
Invite conversation - "How are things going right now?"
Respond with empathy - not quick fixes
Encourage next steps - help them take them

"You don’t have to go through this alone. There is support - and I can help you get there."

Simple Phrases That Help

"Hey, you OK? I've noticed you don’t seem yourself - just wanted to check in."
"I know things are tough. Do you want to talk? I’m here."
Ask twice. People often say "I'm fine" by default. A second gentle ask shows you care. "How are you really doing?"

Resources

Noticing the signs

Many health and care professionals tell us: "Looking back, the signs were there." Knowing what to look for in yourself and others helps you spot when someone’s struggling.

Common Signs of Distress

Emotional:

Persistent low mood, anxiety, hopelessness
Feeling like a burden or losing interest in work/life

Behavioural:

Withdrawing from others
Irritability, forgetfulness, complaints or mistakes

Physical:

Exhaustion, poor sleep, changes in appetite
Using alcohol or medication to cope

Verbal Cues

"I can’t do this anymore"
"People would be better off without me"
Frequent dark humour or self-deprecation

Risk Factors

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, at any stage of life, but there are certain factors that increase suicide risk.

Gender and role: Men are around three times more likely to die by suicide; female nurses are at higher risk than other women.
Age: Risk peaks for men aged 50 to 54, and women aged 45 to 49.
Recent bereavement: Especially following a suicide.
Identity and belonging: LGBTQ+ colleagues may face additional vulnerabilities.
Mental health: Pre-existing difficulties, or problems linked to work.
Life challenges: Debt, financial insecurity, relationship breakdown, or experiences of abuse.
Workplace pressures: Burnout, moral injury, involvement in serious incidents, facing complaints, or professional referrals.

What to do next

We recommend everyone learns how to be confident is dealing with people who might be struggling with thoughts of suicide.

Try this free training: Zero Suicide Alliance - 30-minute online course

Train in psychologically-savvy conversations. Many trusts offer react conversation training. See our communications toolkit for more practical tools.

If the risk feels urgent

Call 999, GP, or 111
Use Trust crisis services or liaison psychiatry
Don’t leave them alone if seriously concerned

If concern is ongoing

Encourage them to access:

Occupational Health - depending on local processes this may require a line manager referral
EAP or support services listed above
A trusted colleague or mentor
Their own GP
Local wellbeing service
Talking therapy (free via IAPT self-referral + local area search).
Practitioner Health

Managers and Clinical Leads

Document concerns appropriately
Don’t dismiss or minimise
Co-create a Wellbeing Plan (see Keeping Your Team Well)
Be mindful of your own wellbeing

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Worried About a Colleague

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