Employee was embarrassed to leave work after having a panic attack. Their boss' response left them speechless

Dealing with a panic attack in public can feel awkward and embarrassing, especially because our brain makes it feel like the world is collapsing in on us. A user who goes by u/GI_Robots_Alt on Reddit revealed that when their partner had a panic attack at work, they immediately felt embarrassed about it. It must have taken a significant toll on them since they rushed out of work early. In a surprising turn of events, the employee was left stunned by a handwritten card their boss handed them a few days later. While the card didn’t mention anything about the day of the panic attack or the awkward experience, it had something unexpectedly heartwarming.

According to McLean Hospital, a panic attack causes a variety of reactions, mentally and physically. It can create a sudden, immense fear or cause a person to feel triggered even when nothing is outwardly wrong. This can, in turn, cause physical side effects like faster heart rates, immobility, chills, nausea, and more. At that moment, while the attack is happening, it can feel like a sense of impending doom, pushing the person to feel disconnected from reality. One can only imagine how chaotic it might feel.

“My partner, who has major anxiety and depressive disorders, had a panic attack at work last week, was super embarrassed and had to leave early. They got this card from their boss a few days later,” the caption of the post read. The card was filled wall-to-wall with writing, leaving no surface bare. However, not a single spot mentioned the panic attack. Instead, it was a gentle reminder that the boss wished to give to the employee. “Thank you for being you!” it began. “Thank you for sharing your art, kindness, joy, and light with everyone you interact with."

The next few lines moved many. “I wanted to remind you of your incredible strength. You show up and do your best every day, and it shows. You are appreciated by so many people. I see you.” This beautiful reassurance was followed up with more empathy. “I know the world can seem like a chaotic and scary place but keep being who you are!” the note read. Furthermore, the employer thoughtfully mentioned that the past, the mistakes, and the pain don't define a person. “People may have lied to you and you may have believed them when they told you these lies — but the truth is you are strong. You are beautiful. You are powerful. You are worthy. You are kind, smart, funny, focused, hardworking, incredibly talented and a light in this world,” the boss wrote.

They chose to overlook their condition and overwhelm them with positive affirmations. The message was concluded with another relieving reminder: “Don’t let anyone make you forget — the world needs what you have to offer. Love, ____.” At the back of the card, another short message read, “Just keep being you. You are already whole. You have always been enough.” To a person struggling and feeling ashamed of their struggle, this beautiful reminder was nothing short of a supportive hug. “It made me cry a little. I'm so thankful that they have such an understanding employer,” the partner remarked. And that’s the kind of employer many hope to have. u/Silly-Pumpkin0819 said, “True leadership at its best!” u/JellySniggles added, “This letter gave me more serotonin than my morning coffee.”