I know bereavement is complex and taboo within the workplace, but it sucks how beyond “mental health perks” and fmla, there’s really no support or understanding for employees.
I’m specifically experiencing complex grieving, after a loved one was murdered. This happened toward the beginning of the year, however I still struggle with working everyday and feel guilty for it. I wasn’t eligible for fmla due to the fact I had begun working there shortly before. Grieving for any other situation has been a week or so for me, with occasional sadness after; but this is a completely different side of grieving.
I’m constantly worried about court, the remaining family and their mental health, and struggle with anxiety/depressive episodes. I wish corporate environments were more empathetic toward those with similar experiences and addressed the struggles that come with such difficult and unpredictable life events.
I’m not sure if it’s depressive thoughts or real, but I have extreme burnout from work. I know I love my team, and they have been beyond supportive of me but mentally feel like I can’t take it anymore. I find myself crying in the bathroom when I have to go to the office, with constant negative thought patterns I can’t escape.
I’m posting this for advice or insight. I feel very lost at work and I haven’t felt like myself since. I don’t know if I need to make a change or wait for the entire process to end to get closure. I also wish complex grieving and bereavement was more gracious and honestly more realistic for employees.