Bullied at Work
I am experiencing workplace bullying, which is increasing my feelings of depression and anxiety. The continuous criticism from people and inconsistent treatment increased my PTSD in unexpected ways.
I notice that I am always on edge. My sleep is disrupted. My thoughts race. Even though I know I did nothing wrong, conversations at work leave me feeling devalued and exhausted.
It's troubling to feel myself slipping into survival mode. My body reacts before my mind can process it. I'm trying to separate present-day situations from prior trauma, but when power and ridicule are involved, the lines blur.
I cannot simply quit and have been looking for another job for over a year. HR is no help, and I live in a "right-to-work" state, so there is no recourse. I have been documenting everything and have filed a complaint with the EEOC because my workplace does not give me any accommodations for my hearing loss.
I'm here because I don't want to shut down or hide. I'm looking for healthier strategies to maintain my mental health while managing a challenging situation.
@JerseyGirl55305
It's not right that you cannot go to work, do your job, and not being bullied.
I'm glad you are documenting everything.
You have a right to feel safe in your working environment.
Stand tall.
And don't let the bullies win.
You don't deserve to be treated as less than by anyone 🩷
@JerseyGirl55305
Im sorry you are going through this, in my experience it happens often. HR isn't usually much help especially if it's your boss. Looking for another job is probably best. I was in this position years ago in a way. People's egos get out of wack at work especially when put in a position of power over others. At least know that you are supported here. All the best.
@JerseyGirl55305
You are not your job situation. You are so much more than that. Like my therapist told me when he swam in the ocean while visiting the Philippines, the part of the ocean he swam in compared to the entire Pacific is only a small drop of water. So is the part of life that makes up your job compared to your gifts, talents, and abilities.
I would highly recommend engaging in aspects of your life outside of work (passions, hobbies, etc) to prevent your job from defining your worth. But of course, I would also advise not to let that search burn you out either. For your job situation, do whatever it takes to stand up for your unmet needs, whether if it's hiring a lawyer for unfair conditions or look for other jobs when other measures have been exhausted. You have a right to stop putting up with incessant workplace bullying and seek fairer treatment.
I am going through your EXACT situation!!! I know how you feel. Something that’s been helping me a lot is reminding myself “My job is NOT my life, it’s just a few hours out of my day”.
When the anxiety from work starts to disturb your sleep schedule, try to make a nightly routine to truly relax and even look forward to sleeping. Take care of yourself, light some candles, make your environment cozy. Personally, I’ve recently learned that to stop waking up in the middle of the night from anxiety about work, I can’t force myself go to sleep just because it’s late. I will stay up and read a book or play my guitar until im absolutely tuckered out and can’t keep my eyes open. My sleep is deeper and I don’t wake up in a panic thinking about work! Maybe you can try that too.
