As depression checks in, a co-worker checks out

Dear Harriette: One of my co-workers seems to be depressed or something. She has a sour attitude, hardly makes eye contact with anyone, mutters under her breath, and basically has checked out from our team. Everyone has reached out to her to try to help. People are also coming to me and one other employee friend to see whether we can help. This started weeks ago because she was upset about the way a project went down. I’m worried that if she doesn’t snap out of it, she could lose her job. What can I do to help her? — Martina, Dallas, Texas

Dear Martina: Attempt to talk to your friend off site. Express your concern with regard to her recent behavior. Ask her what’s going on. Push a little to see whether she will talk about her problems.

If something happened from which she cannot recover, it would be good for her to realize that it’s better to behave professionally with an exit plan, rather than mope about. It’s hard to keep a job when you have a bad attitude and potentially harder still to get a new job when your outlook is dour.

If you can’t get through to her with this argument, keep pressing. Suggest that she get some mental-health support. Let her know you are looking out for her well-being and that of your company, and that the way she’s been acting lately has you really worried. Given the recent history of disgruntled employees bringing violence to the workplace, I also think human resources needs to be aware of this woman’s situation.

Dear Harriette: I was on a business trip recently and lost my company credit card — for the second time. I work a ridiculous amount of hours, and sometimes I get disorganized. I am not a drinker. I must have dropped it out of my pocket or something. Anyhow, I already called the credit-card company to cancel it, but I’m embarrassed to ask for a replacement from my boss. Any ideas on how I can handle this situation? — Ben, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Dear Ben: Figure out how to get more rest. Forgetfulness is a side effect of fatigue. If you know you have been working too much, do something about it before your body does it for you. Get a physical to be sure that nothing else is wrong with you. Forgetfulness could be a sign of something more significant. Be proactive and get your body checked out, to be sure.

As to the credit card, did you ask the issuer of the card to send you a new one? Usually, it’s as simple as that to get a replacement. It may not be too late to place that call. But in addition, you should still tell your boss that you lost the card, and hopefully, that you are already have a replacement.