The next article consists of allegations of abuse.

Sophia Bush’s departure from “Chicago P.D.” got here as a shock to audiences, as she had been a central character on the present ever since its inception. She performed Detective Erin Lindsay by Season 4 of the NBC drama earlier than quietly making her exit in 2017. Later, it was revealed {that a} tragic cause influenced her resolution to step away from the franchise. Showing on Refinery29’s “UnStyled” podcast, the actor recalled simply how depressing she had turn out to be whereas engaged on the sequence.

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“I knew by the top of the second season that I could not do this job anymore,” Bush confessed. “However I am actually cussed, and I am actually good at caring for different folks, and the way do you give up your dream job?” She recalled confronting her bosses between Seasons 3 and 4, urging them to enhance the working situations on set. With out going into specifics, Bush advised host Christene Barberich, “For me, it felt like I used to be trapped in a burning constructing. I used to be simply so sad … and [I knew] I needed to go.”

Bush additionally mentioned her exit whereas talking with Dax Shepard on his “Armchair Skilled” podcast in 2018, the place she hinted on the alleged abuse she skilled whereas filming the police procedural. “I give up as a result of what I’ve realized is, I have been so programmed to be a great woman and to be a workhorse and be a tugboat,” she claimed. “To the purpose the place simply because … I am being mistreated or I am being abused at work, I am not gonna f**okay up this job for all these folks.” Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist and Director of Comprehend the Thoughts, advised Nicki Swift completely that Bush did the correct factor by talking up about her expertise.

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In line with Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Sophia Bush’s emotional response to the scandalous abuse she allegedly endured whereas engaged on “Chicago P.D.” is totally legitimate. “For those who really feel disrespected or mistreated at work, it is often not only one second,” Hafeez advised us. “It is a sample that wears you down over time.” It may be so simple as being shut out of conferences or being spoken right down to by a colleague, noting, “These behaviors add up.” Hafeez urged preserving monitor of particular incidents to assist separate information from feelings and reaching out to somebody you belief — whether or not somebody from HR or a therapist. Most significantly, “Do not second-guess your self,” she added. “If one thing feels off, it in all probability is… And, if the atmosphere continues to be poisonous, know that strolling away is not weak spot, it is a resolution to guard your psychological well being.”

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Talking with Monica Lewinsky on her “Reclaiming” podcast in 2025, Bush claimed that she endured each sort of abuse whereas engaged on “Chicago” and expressed remorse over not strolling away sooner. She additionally revealed that she was in remedy after being recognized with post-traumatic stress dysfunction because of the trauma she allegedly skilled. Whereas leaving a poisonous work atmosphere will be extraordinarily tough, Hafeez advised those that discover themselves in comparable conditions to prioritize therapeutic.

“Allow your self to relaxation, to rebuild, and to be selective about the next move. Search for organizations which have optimistic on-line opinions relating to work/life stability and psychological well being well-being,” she stated. “Approaching a brand new job search with clear views will really feel empowering.” 

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For those who or somebody you understand wants assist with psychological well being, please contact the Disaster Textual content Line by texting HOME to 741741, name the Nationwide Alliance on Psychological Sickness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or go to the Nationwide Institute of Psychological Well being web site.