What can I do at work to help someone when they cope for a while and then suddenly cannot cope at all?

Short answer

A sudden drop in coping can mean demands have outrun available capacity.

What this can look like

A reliable person may become slower, more error-prone or less responsive when a deadline, workload or change has built up.

Why it can happen

Reduce immediate pressure, clarify what is essential and ask what support would be useful. This is good risk management, not a request for personal disclosure.

What might help

Lower immediate demand where possible and have a private, work-focused conversation about what can be changed or clarified.

What the research helps explain

A broad work pattern can be shaped by task demands, health, stress, recovery, environment and support. Public information can help leaders improve conditions and have better conversations; it cannot decide what label, if any, applies to a staff member.

What can vary

Do not diagnose, compare suffering, demand private information or assume that visible output tells you the full cost. New, severe or concerning changes may need appropriate professional advice.

For this situation

For you, act early rather than waiting for a performance crisis.

More info and original sources

Poko summarises the relevance of public original sources and links out for anyone who wants to read more.

• About psychosocial hazards — Australian guidance on identifying and managing work conditions that can create psychosocial harm.
• Executive Functions — Explains attention, working memory and flexibility as distinct, context-sensitive processes.