My firm hired this recent college graduate named Dan. Dan is really talented. His manager got sick and Dan stepped up to do a lot of the work. As a result Dan is incredibly stressed and I think he's showing signs of anxiety and I'm sure I caught him having a panic attack. I want to know how to reach out to him.
I noticed this a couple of weeks ago. Dan would pace around the office at times. Walking back and forth. Running his hands through his hair and grimacing. This has been escalating for the last week or so. I'm also sure I've caught Dan doing grounding exercises. I've seen/heard him muttering "I can see my desk, I can see my shoes.. I can hear the printer.. I can touch my computer" This is a common grounding exercise for panic attacks. I know this. My son has Panic Disorder and the Say what you can see, hear, touch,smell exercise is one of the first techniques my son learned.
I guess it came to a head this afternoon. One of my employees said that I needed to check on Dan. I got to the break room and he was laying on two chairs, sweating profusely,holding his chest but popped up once he saw me. He was stammering, talking somewhat incoherently, and then damn near jogged to his desk.
I told him he needed some rest and sent him home today. I also told him to work from home tomorrow. I don't know what's causing this but I'm sure the work load is contributing to his symptoms. I want to know how to reach out without being invasive or sounding Punitive.
Dan has done awesome work, especially for someone that young that was thrust into the position he was. He's absolutely killed it. I want to offer therapy /some time off to Dan. I know a panic attack when I see one and he didn't take anytime off this summer. I know the workload without a break is contributing and I believe he needs some time off and a way to manage the stress.
What's the best way to offer this?
TL;DR New employee exhibiting signs of stress. Caught him having a panic attack at work and I want to offer away to address his mental health without sounding invasive.
Submitted October 01, 2018 at 12:21PM by Pyschologistboss https://ift.tt/2y3bKZH
No comments:
Post a Comment