Mental Health Month | October 2026
WELLBEING
What do you say when a workmate tells you they’re struggling? In the second article in Landscaping Victoria’s Mental Health Month series, we explore simple ways to listen, respond with care and help someone find support.
Carolyn Tanner | 15 October 2026 | 4 min read
When “How are you?” becomes a real conversation
When the answer is “Actually, not great”
In our first Mental Health Month article, we encouraged members to pause and ask themselves and those around them: “How are you really going?”
But what happens when the answer is “Actually, not great”?
You might worry about saying the wrong thing, asking too much, or being unable to help. That uncertainty is understandable.
A helpful place to start is to thank them for telling you, give them room to talk and ask what support would help. You don’t need to solve everything in that moment.
Even the person everyone relies on needs support
Electrician Richard Haynes was working long hours, studying, and supporting others while dealing with his father’s death and serious illness and the loss of those closest to him.
Outwardly, he felt he was managing. When his relationship also broke down, he found himself needing support.
After someone recommended TIACS, Richard took a few days to make contact. He describes finding someone who listened, cared and helped him work towards practical goals. Being able to arrange conversations by text also made support easier to access around his working day.
His experience is a reminder to check in with the people who always seem to be holding everything together — and to recognise when we need that same support ourselves.
How can you respond when someone says they’re struggling?
Give them room to talk
Pause and give them your attention. If you’re in a busy site or office, suggest moving somewhere with a little privacy so you can listen.
You don’t need to fill every silence or immediately offer advice. Try:
- “That sounds like a lot to carry.”
- “Thanks for telling me.”
- “Do you want to tell me a bit more?”
Avoid brushing it off with “Everyone’s busy” or “You’ll be right.” Even well-meant reassurance can leave someone feeling unheard.
Ask what would help
Sometimes someone wants to be heard. Sometimes they need practical help or support finding a professional to speak with.
You could ask:
“Would it help to talk it through, look at what’s on your plate, or find someone you can speak with?”
Let their answer guide the conversation. If they aren’t ready to share more, respect that and leave the door open.
Check in again
A simple follow-up can keep the connection going:
“How have things been since we spoke?”
You’re there as a workmate, friend or colleague. You don’t have to take on the role of a counsellor. A GP or mental health professional can help with further support.
If work is part of the pressure, listen to that too
In landscaping, a conversation might raise concerns about competing deadlines, unclear instructions, or feeling unsupported.
For an owner or supervisor, this is an opportunity to understand what’s happening and discuss practical changes. That might mean clarifying priorities, reviewing what’s achievable or arranging more support.
Ask the person what would help, be clear about what you can do and follow through on anything you agree to.
You can start the conversation too
If you’re the one finding things difficult, you don’t need to wait for someone to notice.
“I haven’t been feeling like myself lately.”
“I’m finding things harder than usual.”
Either can be enough to begin — with a friend, partner, trusted colleague, or health professional.
You don’t have to explain everything at once. Beyond Blue also welcomes people who feel overwhelmed or unsure where to start, including those concerned about someone else.
Where can you find mental health support?
For counselling and support
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Beyond Blue: Free, confidential counselling by phone or online, available 24/7. Call 1300 22 4636. Local call costs may apply.
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TIACS: Free, confidential, professional phone and text counselling for the blue-collar community and those who care about them. Call or text 0488 846 988, Monday–Friday, 8 am–10 pm AEST, excluding public holidays.
For urgent help
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Lifeline: Crisis support available 24/7 on 13 11 14. If life is in danger, call 000.
For workplace resources and awareness
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WorkSafe Victoria: Guidance and tools to help create psychologically healthy and safe workplaces and manage psychosocial risks.
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Steel Blue’s Boot the Blues: An industry initiative raising mental health awareness and funds for Beyond Blue.
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Landscaping Victoria's Wellbeing Hub: A collection of information and resources to help members find support, available through the LV Member Hub.
At Landscaping Victoria, we care about the people behind our member businesses, from those on the tools to those keeping things moving behind the scenes.
Throughout October, our Mental Health Month series will continue with practical content on supporting each other, creating healthier workplaces and recognising and managing psychosocial hazards. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Latest News, and in our fortnightly member email newsletter, LV News, as we make space for honest conversations and help our landscape and green industry community find support.
For now, you don’t need a perfect response. Making time to listen is a good place to start.
