Supporting a Coworker Returning After Mental Health Leave or a Suicide Attempt episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 8, 2026 · 18 MIN

Supporting a Coworker Returning After Mental Health Leave or a Suicide Attempt

from Surviving Your Shift, Building Responder Wellness

How do you support a coworker coming back after mental health leave or a suicide attempt without making it weird? This episode will give you practical language and steps to reduce stigma and welcome them back well.What do you say when a coworker returns after mental health leave or a suicide attempt—without making it awkward or piling on more stigma?Many responders either avoid the person completely, crack the wrong joke, or pry for details, and the coworker ends up feeling like a problem instead of part of the team. In this episode, you’ll get clear, practical peer support skills to welcome them back, support their reintegration, and know when to step in or back off.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:Simple, respectful phrases you can use when a coworker returns after a suicide attempt or mental health crisisCommon mistakes to avoid so you don’t increase shame, stigma, or workplace awkwardnessHow to support their safe reintegration at work while protecting your own boundaries as a peer supporterUse this episode with your peer support team, your shift, or your leadership group to set a healthier standard for how your agency handles return-to-work after a mental health crisis.Share This Episode:https://www.survivingyourshift.com/52Connect with BartLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartlegerFacebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshiftWebsite: www.survivingyourshift.com

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jan 8, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

Supporting a Coworker Returning After Mental Health Leave or a Suicide Attempt

0:00 18:09

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Surviving Your Shift, Building Responder Wellness?

This episode is 18 minutes long.

When was this Surviving Your Shift, Building Responder Wellness episode published?

This episode was published on January 8, 2026.

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Surviving Your Shift, Building Responder Wellness episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!