Costa Crazy

Saw an ex-colleague this morning talking to the sugar in Costa.

As she left with her take-away beverage I gave her a smile and a little wave, but she clearly didn't recognise me. I wouldn't have recognised her if she hadn't drawn attention to herself by conversing with the sugar stand. Washed out, ashen & thin; where as before she was healthy, active & fit. A specialist nurse who gradually just faded away from the hospital under rumours of poor mental health (depression leading to a breakdown), which would be confirmed by talking to the sugar I suppose?

It always bothered me that her loss wasn't talked about, over a period of months she just disappeared. Even gossip was shockingly minimal for the health service. What I did hear, some time later, was that after lengthy bouts of sickness she was eventually dismissed.

A shame, I held her in very high regard (she was always very supportive and encouraged me to undertake teaching & training both inside & outside the hospital trust); she had an exceptional knowledge and much experience. She always gave the impression of being in control. Goes to show that sometimes despite best efforts you can't always escape your demons, the voices in your head and you never really know what goes on in the heads or homes of your colleagues.

I'd hate for my colleagues to know what was going on in my head.