She Took Off Work For Her Mental Health. Her CEO's Response Is Going Viral

July 12, 2017

Madalyn Parker, a web developer from Michigan, wanted a few days away from work to focus on her mental health.

"My depression stops me from being productive at my job," she said.

mental health days off viral tweet email

So she sent an email to her colleagues, telling them the honest reason why she was taking the time off.

Moved by her CEO's response, Parker posted the email exchange to Twitter.

mental health days off viral tweet email

The CEO of Parker's company wrote back:

"Hey Madalyn,

I just wanted to personally thank you for sending emails like this. Every time you do, I use it as a reminder of the importance of using sick days for mental health — I can't believe this is not standard practice at all organizations. You are an example to us all, and help cut through the stigma so we can all bring out whole selves to work."

The tweet has since gone viral, amassing over 40,000 likes.

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