A Tech Worker's Tragic Battle with Workplace Stress

A bright and ambitious woman, Annie Surman, found herself in a dark place after working at a major tech company. She was a standout student, a Columbia graduate, and even interned with NASA. But her time at MongoDB, a data storage company, took a toll on her mental health. Annie's parents say she struggled with anxiety and depression due to extreme work stress. She was a high achiever, but things changed. She often couldn't get out of bed, brush her teeth, or even socialize. Her parents shared this in a lawsuit, claiming the company's actions pushed her over the edge. In April 2024, Annie took a month off for medical leave. MongoDB initially agreed to extend her leave until September. But suddenly, they demanded she return to work the following week. They also cut her health benefits, even though she was undergoing treatment for depression.Annie's parents begged the company not to fire her while she was vulnerable. But MongoDB fired her on August 8, 2024. Annie was devastated. She attempted suicide that day and again in September. Sadly, she did not survive the second attempt. The family believes MongoDB fired Annie to avoid paying her severance. They also claim the company backtracked on an offer to give them her life insurance policy. The family's lawyer says Annie had no mental health issues before working at MongoDB. This tragedy raises questions about workplace stress and mental health support. It's a stark reminder that companies need to take care of their employees, especially during tough times.