Madalyn Parker, an accessibility engineer from Michigan, wanted to take a couple days off work. There was just one problem. She didn’t have the flu, nor did she have plans to be on a beach somewhere, sipping mojitos under a palm tree. Parker simply wanted a few days away from work to focus on her mental health.

Parker lives with depression. And, she says, staying on top of her mental health is absolutely crucial. “The bottom line is that mental health is health,” she told Upworthy over email. “My depression stops me from being productive at my job the same way a broken hand would slow me down since I wouldn’t be able to type very well.”

When she informed the team of her time off, she made the bold choice to be completely honest and transparent about why she needed to step away. She was also firm and non-apologetic.

“I am taking today and tomorrow to focus on my mental health. Hopefully,” she wrote to them, “I’ll be back next week refreshed and back to 100%.”

She got a surprising response

Soon after the message was sent, the CEO of Parker’s company wrote back. What could easily have been a stomach-dropping moment quickly turned into a heartwarming one instead, as Parker’s boss completely had her back. And then some.

I just wanted to personally thank........

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