Following Up Distressed Personnel

GENERAL SCENARIO

BEHAVIORS & SIGNS

GENERAL SUPPORTIVE ACTIONS

The member has received intervention/treatment

Following Up Distressed Personnel--Checklist

	Member is embarrassed
	Member is reluctant to follow-up
	The person may express feeling overwhelmed by current responsibilities
	Person may express loss of self confidence in meeting life challenges

	Periodically ask how the person is doing
	Observe for effective functioning including normal socialization
	Communicate optimism of return to full functioning soon
	Respect member’s privacy. Support their choice to get help
	Emphasize that it is a sign of strength to seek treatment
	Communicate that you are committed to assisting him/her
	Ensure time is provided for appointments with helping agencies
	Consult with mental health providers when appropriate

The member has been hospitalized

	HOSPITALIZED
	Member expresses concerns over the intervention

	Visit (if member gives consent)
	Contact family to offer support
	Express caring/concern and emphasize the importance of following the treatment plan for an optimal outcome

	RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL
	Member expresses concerns over reintegration into the work place
	Member expresses concern about consequences of hospitalization

	Consult with provider about aftercare plan
	Identify key personnel to check in with member
	Report behaviors of concern to mental health provider
	Continue support to individual’s family

Member received treatment
and member's concerns are not apparent at the workplace

	Respect member’s privacy
	Support their choice to get help
	Ask about their well-being at appropriate intervals

Member received treatment member's concerns are apparent at the workplace

	Concern for potential risk of harm to self or others
	Concern over safety issues at the workplace
	Continued work performance problems

	Consult with mental health providers
	Encourage continuance of mental health treatment (follow-up appointments and compliance with medical treatment such as medication)
	Be attentive to the number of new tasks being asked of the person
	Provide concrete feedback about work tasks
	Arrange for extra supervision
	Be attentive to workplace safety issues

Longer term, ongoing distress

Concerns described above are not resolved

Follow-up with helping agency personnel and relay relevant observations