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Feeling particularly stressed at work? Even in good times, it's not always easy to keep your cool on the job. But as the economy falters and layoffs sweep certain industries, many people are more worried than ever about job security -- in addition to fretting over the value of their homes, the cost of college and a host of other issues.

Most people can handle the strain. But what do you do when you think that the person sitting next to you at work cannot?

If you see a co-worker suffering, it's understandable that you may want to offer help. And if you're the boss, in addition to alleviating distress, you will also need to worry about a worker's productivity, as well as office morale.

Indeed, employers may be held liable for failing to prevent the worst-case scenario -- office violence. Warning signs include direct threats, menacing gestures or statements such as, "You wouldn't miss me if I were gone." Experts say that someone who appears to be a threat should be dealt with by managers immediately and carefully, with the help of security.

The vast majority of people suffering from mental stress in the workplace don't become violent, and the warning signs that something is wrong may be more subtle. In fact, by the time you notice that a co-worker has a problem, it's likely been going on for a while. That's why experts suggest intervening early.

Mental-health experts say they're seeing increasing signs of stress this year, with more people seeking professional help for mental strain brought on by financial or work issues.

Experts say the most significant warning signs are changes in behavior, including work patterns, eating habits or drinking. Someone may start working too hard. He may show up late, appear despondent, withdrawn or abrasive, and seem increasingly annoyed.

When trying to help someone who is suffering from mental distress, it is critical to approach with empathy. It's perfectly fine, and can be helpful, to ask a co-worker how he's doing. But it's important not to be intrusive.

And never suggest that someone has a mental illness. "You always want to describe behavior, rather than label the person," says Ms. London, of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association. "So you don't want to say, 'I think you are anorexic.' You want to say, 'I am very concerned; I think you are losing a great deal of weight.' And you don't want to say, 'I think you are an alcoholic.' You want to say, 'I am worried that every night after work you have six beers.'"

If the colleague you are trying to help appears receptive, you may want to recommend they speak to a mental-health professional at your company's employee-assistance program. Many employers contract with outside firms to offer these services.

You should never offer help outside of work, especially if you are the boss. People under duress will sometimes attach themselves to the person who tries to help them and think that the solution to their problems is to talk to this person. They may start requesting increasing amounts of help.

If you are the boss, offering help outside of the office -- calling the doctor to make an appointment, for instance, or offering a ride -- may open you up to liability. Once you undertake the duty to help, the duty continues. If you don't continue with this responsibility in the future, you could be sued for negligence.

So if you are the boss, you should offer only work-related help. Hand out the number to your employee-assistance program. Try to lighten someone's workload. Encourage the person to take vacation. Offer additional time off without pay.