Penn's Employee Assistance Program

As the 252nd day of 2019's workday came to a close, a tragic announcement came to us all over an email.  One of our newer colleagues on campus has taken his own life this morning.  So 9/9/19, even though it was a double palindromic day (in advance of the upcoming palindrome week) with 9/9 and #252), the day was a hard one.  It's on hard days such as this that the spiritual discipline of finding something positive for this post may be difficult, but it's really important that I do so.  I did a lot of thinking driving from work to my Church meeting and then from Church to home.  My gratitude is for Penn's Employee Assistance Program.  During a rough patch in my career and life, I turned to them for, well, assistance and I was able to see a counselor who helped me through my issues.  It is so important that, when we are hurting, we get the help we need.  And it is important that the stigma of depression and other mental health diagnoses gets diffused.  There is no shame in asking for help.  If your arm was hurt, you would go see a doctor and think nothing of it.  SO, when your emotions and/or mind is hurting, PLEASE seek out help.  And, friends, if you see someone who you think may be hurting, how about extending a caring hand or a friendly word or, if you have permission, a hug?  We all need to ask for help, and we all need to take better care of each other.  Every life is worth it!