Employee Mortified After Panic Attack at Work—Then Receives Note From Boss
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Internet users are rallying around a boss's act of kindness after an employee had to leave work due to a panic attack.
A few days later, their employer sent a heartfelt handwritten card—and the gesture has touched thousands online.
Reddit user u/GI-Robots-Alt shared the story in the r/MadeMeSmile subreddit, explaining what happened to their partner.
"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. It made me cry a little honestly. I'm so thankful that they have such an understanding employer," the user wrote.
The post, which has received more than 6,100 upvotes, included a photo of the card, which contained a message of empathy, encouragement, and affirmation.
The boss thanked the employee for being themselves and for bringing "art," "kindness," "joy," and "light" to those around them. They reminded the employee of their "incredible strength" and emphasized how much they are appreciated, writing that they show up and do their best every day.
The message concluded: "Don't let anyone make you forget. The world needs what you have to offer."
Stock image: A woman smiles as she reads a card at a table.
Stock image: A woman smiles as she reads a card at a table.
Farknot_Architect/iStock / Getty Images Plus
Expert Insight
Licensed therapist Alyssa Kushner, LCSW, told Newsweek why gestures like this are especially meaningful following workplace panic attacks.
"A simple 'You're not in trouble. I care about you. Take the time you need' can be so deeply healing," she said. "The handwritten card in this story is a beautiful example of relational safety—and a reminder that small acts of compassion can undo layers of shame," Kushner added.
She added that panic attacks at work often feel particularly shameful because our self-worth is so closely tied to our performance and how "together" we appear. In fast-paced, high-pressure environments, many people push through stress and burnout silently, afraid of judgment or stigma. So when a panic attack becomes visible—crying, shaking, or leaving suddenly—it can feel like a personal failure or loss of composure, especially for those who struggle with perfectionism.
What actually helps, Kushner said, is nonjudgmental, compassionate support—exactly like what this boss provided. Acknowledging what happened without minimizing or ignoring it can help regulate the nervous system and restore a sense of safety.
Certified trauma-informed human potential coach Kamini Wood also weighed in, telling Newsweek: "In order for businesses to be more productive and successful long-term, recognizing that employees are human beings and have trauma or emotional challenges at times is so important."
"As humans, we all need to be seen and heard," Wood continued. "When someone is experiencing an emotional or mental challenge, it is vital to give them space and to allow them what they need in order for their nervous system to regulate again."
Reddit Reacts
Thousands of Reddit users were moved by the post and praised the boss for their empathy and leadership.
"That is a great boss with strong, empathetic leadership skills," one user wrote.
"Came here to say this. Amazing boss!" added another.
"I love hearing these stories. It restores my faith in humanity. My boss is the exact opposite. This gives me hope!" someone else shared.
"My boss is like this and it's why my loyalty is to her and not the owner of the company I work for. True leadership at its best!" another commenter noted.
One user summed it up perfectly: "There's a pretty common phrase with a lot of variations that's basically, 'People don't leave bad jobs, they leave bad bosses.' The inverse also seems true; that people will stay when they have good bosses."
Newsweek reached out to u/GI-Robots-Alt for comment via Reddit. We could not verify the details of the case.
Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on "WSID" at Newsweek.
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