The mental well-being of employees is a fundamental pillar of a healthy working environment. Signs of mental exhaustion are often not obvious at first glance—a person can function on "autopilot" for a long time, even when their mental capacity is at its limit. Recognizing these signs does not mean looking for diagnoses, but rather sensitively detecting changes in behavior, performance, and relationships. Just as we notice the physical symptoms of illness, we can also monitor signs of mental stress and thus effectively detect and address them. Prevention is key in the area of mental health: seeking professional help in time is much more effective than dealing with developed problems.

Psychological stress often develops gradually and is associated with long-term and excessive stress, high job responsibilities, personal difficulties, or an accumulation of minor pressures. People under stress may react by withdrawing into themselves, becoming irritable, or cynical. These manifestations are a natural response of the nervous system as it tries to cope with overload. However, if these patterns become chronic, they negatively affect not only performance but also a person's mental and physical health.

Building psychological safety in the workplace is not only a modern trend but also a reason why people are able to solve their work and personal problems in a timely and effective manner. When employees feel that they can talk openly about their difficulties, it not only increases their trust in the entire organization, but also strengthens their willingness to cooperate and deal with challenging situations with greater flexibility. A culture of psychological safety allows problems to become a natural part of dialogue rather than a taboo, reducing the risk of burnout, conflict, and long-term mental distress.

5 signs that something may be wrong

1. Significant change in behavior – a person behaves very differently than usual, whether it be withdrawal, irritability, or excessive activity.

2. Fluctuations in performance – repeated mistakes, forgetfulness, failure to complete tasks, or, conversely, excessive efforts to work overtime.

3. Physical signs of stress – frequent illness, insomnia, fatigue, changes in appetite or overall appearance.

4. Social isolation – avoiding colleagues, team meetings, or group activities.

5. Loss of motivation and energy – apathy, cynicism, or resignation from work and normal duties

All of these signs are only indications that something may not be right. The goal should definitely not be to "diagnose" anyone's problem or evaluate their behavior. Sometimes simply expressing interest, understanding, or offering the opportunity to share their concerns can be the first step toward change. A visit to a psychologist or psychotherapist can thus be understood as a preventive check-up that will help to orientate oneself in the current situation, provide support, and prevent the development of more serious difficulties. Just as we can go to the doctor at the first symptoms of illness, talking to a therapist can be part of a conscious and responsible approach to oneself.

Adan Šíma