Laura Boos Story: ‘We’re in this together”
“There is a real healing that comes from being vulnerable,” says Laura Boos, senior account manager at GE Appliances, a Haier company. “It pays off.”
When Laura found herself struggling as her husband battled alcohol addiction, she discovered eager support in an unexpected place.
“My co-worker and my boss made all the difference,” says Laura. “They never made me feel like I had to hide this dirty little secret. Because they were honest, I could be too.”
Though she met with a support group for families and spouses of alcoholics regularly, it was a lot to balance work and home life. For Laura, the word team took on a new meaning.
“Sharing with them has paid off,” says Laura. “I know I’m not the only one going through something. Life is hard. We all need support.”
As her husband pursued sobriety, she found her own need for healing enter the spotlight.
“Surprisingly, his sobriety was harder on me than his drinking,” says Laura. “I had a lot of hurt to work through and some codependent habits underneath it all.”
Her husband was the first to point out that Laura needed her own support group, and her co-worker confirmed it.
“Turns out I needed to be in those rooms with those people,” says Laura. “Not just at home, but here too. I needed healing more than I realized.”
Laura understands very well that work culture isn’t like this everywhere.
“There’s is a major contrast to the non-stop stress and grind of corporate America and the work environment here at GE Appliances,” says Laura. “There’s a reason people stay for so long.”
The same vulnerability that is helping her recover is the same one she carries with her into the office every day.
“At GE Appliances, the person comes first. Your work should fit into your life instead of your life taking a back seat to work.”
Laura knows that hiding never heals.
“I want to share my story because I want others to know they have a support system here,” says Laura. “It feels good that I don’t have to hide my home life, and I don’t want anyone else to either. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We’re in this together.”
Looking for support? WellWithin offers a variety of mental health resources for employees and their dependents. https://www.geapplianceswellwithin.com/eap-personal-counseling-and-mental-health/
Virtual Substance Use Support (pelagohealth.com)
Earn a $25 gift card if you register for Pelago, download the app, and log in by October 31, 2024.
Several organizations offer support groups for addicts and their families.
https://www.aa.org/
https://usa-na.org/
https://al-anon.org/
https://celebraterecovery.com/