DEAR ABBY: My co-worker tried to commit suicide last year. She took eight months off after that. Now we are approaching the one-year anniversary.
We work for a small, family-owned business. Everyone knows she tried to kill herself, but no one knows why. She has reduced her hours and her stress level, at least at work. I have picked up most of her duties, and I'm quick to lend a hand. She's a lot older than I am, and I'm not comfortable lending an ear.
How do we handle this situation? Do we act like it's just like any other normal day? -- UNCOMFORTABLE AT WORK
DEAR UNCOMFORTABLE: If your co-worker wanted to disclose her reason(s) for trying to kill herself, you would already know what drove her. Because a suicide attempt is nothing to celebrate, be sensitive and don't draw attention to it unless she brings it up.