“They Laughed at Me”: Gurugram Woman Mocked for Mental Health Leave Sparks Outrage

A 21-year-old woman working in Gurugram has shared a painful story about how her managers reacted when she asked for a short break to take care of her mental health. Her post, shared on Reddit, has now gone viral and started a larger conversation about how Indian workplaces handle mental health concerns, especially for young employees.

Gurugram Woman’s Reddit Post Sparks Debate on Workplace Empathy

In her post on Reddit’s r/Gurgaon subreddit, the young woman explained how she had been struggling mentally for several weeks and tried to reach out to her managers for help. However, she said her pleas were ignored.

“I’m 21 (F), and I work in Gurgaon. I just don’t understand why mental health is still treated like a joke in India.  For weeks, I’ve been telling my managers that I’m not doing well mentally, but no one showed any empathy. A few days ago, I even had a breakdown in the office, I couldn’t breathe, was hyperventilating, and was crying nonstop, and still, nothing changed, “ she wrote. 

Despite being open about her condition, she said her company failed to show any support. “I can’t be forced to work in this state,” she added, explaining that she finally sent a formal email to HR, hoping they would understand her situation.

Mental health is treated like a joke in india
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Mocked Instead of Helped

Unfortunately, the response she received was far from what she expected. Instead of showing concern, she heard that her managers were mocking her behind her back. She revealed, “I heard they were mad about it. A colleague I trust told me they were mocking me, calling me a liar, and even a supervisor joined in, adding more namak mirch.It broke me completely. I never thought being honest about my mental health would turn into something people laugh at.”

She added that she had always been a respectful and hardworking employee. “I’ve always been a kind, respectful person at work, never caused trouble, always did my job well, and kept good stats. I just didn’t expect to be treated like this in return.”

Her Email Shows What She Really Needed

In her post, she also shared the email she wrote to her managers asking for time off. The message was polite, thoughtful, and clearly expressed her need for a short break.

It read, “Hi, I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to let you know that I’m currently not feeling mentally well. There’s a lot going on in my personal life that I’m not comfortable sharing at the moment, but it has reached a point where I feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. I kindly request some time off to focus on my mental health and seek professional support during this period.”

She ended her email by saying, “Your understanding and support would mean a lot to me. Thank you for your compassion and patience.”

Despite this heartfelt note, she said a colleague soon messaged her on WhatsApp asking if she could “log in” and take calls, showing a complete lack of understanding of her situation.

Internet Reacts to Her Story

The post quickly went viral, with many people discussing how mental health is still not taken seriously in many  Indian workplaces. Some users expressed anger at the company’s attitude, while others shared advice and personal experiences.

One user wrote, “As a psychology major, I’d insist rather than just suggest you consult a professional; it really helps.” Another added, “Your manager isn’t your friend. You’re oversharing. Just say you’re unwell and shut your laptop.”

Others showed kindness and encouragement. “In India, people are often not considerate. Don’t let their thoughts or opinions affect you. Take a break, take care of yourself, and if required, seek professional consultation,” one user suggested.

The young woman’s story has struck a chord with many, especially those in their early careers who often struggle to balance work pressure and emotional health. Her experience is a reminder that empathy and understanding are just as important in a workplace as performance and deadlines.