[Jenni855]

I have a colleague who is my age and we are quite friendly. Her jobs are very demanding and she gets a lot of pressure from management. I also know that there are family issues and that she has been suffering from a constant throat infection and feeling rundown for ages. I thought she would be better after a Christmas break but she looks like she has lost a lot of weight and looks pretty frail. She also isn't eating that much in work. She is always smiling but I know it is a mask as in texts to me, she does reveal that things are getting her down and she feels very stressed. What can I do to help?

[Little Lulu]

Approach with caution since this is someone you work with. It is nice to offer concern about someone's well-being but getting overly-involved with a co-worker may not be prudent. Ultimately, people have to find the right course for themselves anyway. Just knowing you care is enough.

[Jenni855]

We are friends as well so not just any colleague. Just feel a little worried all is not okay.

You can try and offer to talk if she wants, you can talk about something bothering you and ask her if there's something on her mind...sometimes people don't want to come out with problems on their sleeve. Try and be there if and when she's ready to talk. Be direct if you like and tell her your there if she needs to talk.

[*Laurie*]

Wait for a quiet moment and ask her sincerely, "How are you doing these days?"