MENTAL HEALTH PEER FIRST AID AT WORK — PART 2
Noticing, Listening & Understanding
Mental distress at work is not always obvious. Somebody can continue arriving, working, smiling and meeting deadlines while using enormous amounts of energy simply to hold themselves together.
Part 2 of this three-part series explores the human part of peer first aid: noticing when something may have changed, understanding masking, responding when somebody says “I’m fine,” and learning how to listen without immediately trying to fix.
The resource looks at overwhelm, shutdown and panic, including how these experiences may present differently for different people. It considers neurodivergence, different communication styles and the importance of reducing pressure rather than assuming that everyone needs the same response.
There are practical examples of language that can open a conversation, questions that return control to the person, and common well-intended responses that can accidentally make somebody feel dismissed.
Most importantly, this guide is about understanding before action. A peer first aider does not need to diagnose the problem or have the perfect answer. Sometimes the first meaningful piece of support is simply being the person who notices, stays and listens.
Part 1: Setting It Up
Part 3: Supporting Safely & Knowing What Happens Next
Space to Breathe Therapy
Support • Understand • Belong
