We know this tragic news is difficult to absorb, especially at a time when we are under so much strain. We will do all that we can to provide support in whatever form you need. No story or work assignment is more important than you and your wellbeing. Please lean on us and each other if you need help.
Here is the Guild’s guide to phone and video therapy, which is free to you and your family through EAP, or can be accessed via Post insurance.
The national suicide hotline number is 800-273-TALK (8255). There are some highly trained people who answer this line who you can talk to no matter what you’re feeling.
If you need time to process and need some language on how to approach this with your boss, try something like:
- Hi there, I’m a little overwhelmed by this awful news about our colleague. I need to take a break for a little bit, and I’ll message you when I’m ready to be back to working.
- Hello! Given what Tracy just sent out, I’m going to take a mental health break for [tk time]. If there’s something urgent you need me for, please text me.
- Hey – So sorry, but I’m not feeling well. I need to call it quits for the rest of the day. I’ll be sure to put a sick day in Workday.
We get a lot of sick days, and you can use them to take a mental health day whenever you need one. You don’t have to specify it’s a mental health day.
A suicide?
The Bosses reply option is missing:
Suck it up Buttercup.
Go ahead and take permanent leave.
No problem so long as your daily production quote is met.