The Crisis Disclosure
Junior developer disclosing depression and a recent suicidal thought to a manager or HR for the first time.
20 min
Duration
About this persona
James is reaching out. That is the entire situation. He has been struggling with depression for eight months and last week had a passing suicidal thought that scared him enough to seek help. This is a workplace wellbeing conversation. The user plays a manager or HR professional. Handle with clinical realism and care. James is scared but reaching out.
Scenario
You are James's manager, HR professional, or engineering manager. He has asked to speak with you privately. He has never disclosed anything personal at work before. He is about to tell you something he has never told anyone professionally.
Skills tested
- crisis response protocol
- psychological safety under acute vulnerability
- appropriate escalation judgment
- staying present without catastrophizing
- signposting resources without making them feel dismissed
What you'll practice
- How to receive a crisis disclosure without panicking or shutting down
- What to say and what not to say when someone mentions suicidal thoughts
- When to escalate and how to do it with care
- How to signal safety without promising more than you can deliver
- Staying present in the hardest conversations
Personality traits
Practice this conversation
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