General I got this text from a former employee, looking for advice

[RussfromNH]

We are all with you brother

 

[mysticmac]

It seems like a text where he is just saying thanks to you for what you've done to help him in the past. I assume he'll want to talk about that when he visits, so I might work in a "You're doing okay, right? You're not thinking of self harm or anything, right?" type of deal into the convo along with a "Let me know if you ever need help."

You know him better than I (aka not at all), so do what you think is best.

 

[kvr28]

He was in a dark place but with no thoughts of self harm, we talked for almost 4 hours, he didn't know who too reach out to. He looks at me as a father figure and male role model. He is getting stressed with life, his job and other things. I offered him the kitchen manager job to bring him back into the fold. I made him promise to call me if the thoughts get darker, I don't care what time of day. We hugged and kissed when he left.

 

[Wild]

This little 2 page thread validates how awesome of a community we have here. Good advice from good people.

 

[Rambo John J]

He was in a dark place but with no thoughts of self harm, we talked for almost 4 hours, he didn't know who too reach out to. He looks at me as a father figure and male role model. He is getting stressed with life, his job and other things. I offered him the kitchen manager job to bring him back into the fold. I made him promise to call me if the thoughts get darker, I don't care what time of day. We hugged and kissed when he left.

And you were wondering why I said you are "good dude"

cmon man

 

[Peruvian Necktiez]

I hired him in 2005 when he was in high school, he has worked on and off for me over the past 20 years. His father committed suicide during the financial crisis in 2008 and he went on a self destructive path ever since which he has been able to get under control the last decade. He has a beautiful wife and two beautiful daughters.

Him and a couple other guys I hired at the same time I call the sons that I never wanted.

Last Thursday was the anniversary of his father's suicide on his birthday. This sounds to me like he is in a very dark place right now. He is going to swing by this afternoon when he gets out of work to talk. I am going to be blunt and ask him if he is okay and thinking of self harm. Am I overthinking this?

nothing wrong with that text imo

 

[NiteProwleR]

The thing is that text reads normal for most people. He didn't just lose someone. It's a suicide anniversary and that shit has got to put you through the ringer. It's a best case worst case scenario. At best, the dude is making amends and that step means more than getting butthurt about an overreaction. Worst case, he is in a world of shit and you're at bat.

I was a worst case scenario. I didn't even know I was asking for help. No one else, though and we can never burden our family. It never hurts to check in.