I’ve been working for a company for almost 4 years.
I have documented bi polar depression type two and trauma from a recent sexual assault.
I remember when I got assaulted and found out I was pregnant from the assault and had to go into work the next day. I was in shambles, didn’t get any sleep, didn’t know what to do.
8 am rolls around and I said fuck it and went into work clearly depressed and sleep deprived. It was so noticeable people kept asking if I was ok.
Finally had enough and wanted to call HR to see if I could use vacation or something to go home and take time off.
Im a sensitive east crier. I cry about everything, especially when stressed.
Im calling and get connected to the HR rep. And without even holding back I just begin to sob. This lady waits and tells me if I need a moment. I calm down but break and tell her about the assault, the pregnancy. I have a bad habit of saying sorry a lot. Im apologizing and just a mess. She calms me down and tells me it’s ok. She asked if I had plans or an action step. I knew what I wanted: abortion. She tells me she supports my decision no matter what, she asks me if I need help setting up a ride, she tells me not to worry about using my vacation, she gets me FMLA time filed ASAP with extended days so I can mentally heal.
I get back to work after everything and she calls my office and just wanted to check in on me. She tells me I can expense a meal to get lunch that day.
A year or so pass and my mom who has been battling cancer gets worse. This same HR rep gets me more FMLA time for my mom AND depression. She gives me tools to use for therapy. Asks about my mom. And checks in with me. She always tells me to never explain myself and that I never have to say sorry and that I’m a valued employee. She also tells me all the time how proud she is of me.
She also tells me all the time to never feel pressured to explain my self to my managers. That I just simply tell them I’m using FMLA and to leave it at that.
She’s looking into getting me extended time off for when my mom is nearing the end.
This is in the US. I’m 25.