Your workplace should promote growth, positive values, and productivity. It should never be a breeding ground for toxicity, humiliation, and bullying.
However, there will be times when you encounter people in your workplace who will threaten and mistreat you. It is not high school anymore, but this kind of person is still lurking around, waiting for their next victim.
Workplace bullying is a serious issue that can have a significant negative impact on employees, organizations, and society as a whole.
It is important for employees to be aware of the signs of workplace bullying and to know how to respond if they are being bullied or if they witness bullying in their workplace.
Workplace bullying refers to repeated, unwanted, and harmful behavior that is directed towards an employee or group of employees. It can take many forms, including verbal or written abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation, or exclusion.
There are several types of workplace bullies that you should be aware of, and all of them can leave a lasting impact on a person’s mental health.
Key Takeaways
- Workplace bullying can seriously impact emotional well-being, often leading individuals to seek online mental health counseling in California or support from a licensed therapist to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.
- Repeated exposure to toxic work environments may require structured care such as online cognitive behavioral therapy or outpatient therapy services in Corona or Riverside to rebuild confidence and coping skills.
- Bullying can affect relationships at home, making relationship counseling in California helpful for addressing spillover stress and communication challenges.
- Flexible care options, including telehealth mental health counseling and working with an LMFT in California, ensure accessible support for professionals balancing work demands and mental health needs.
How do jealous colleagues affect work life?
A jealous colleague is someone who feels threatened or resentful by the accomplishments, successes, or perceived advantages of their colleagues.
They may try to undermine their coworkers’ achievements or belittle their contributions in order to make themselves feel superior or to advance their own career goals.
Jealous coworkers may also try to sabotage their colleagues’ work or spread rumors or gossip in order to bring them down.
Why are perfectionist employees difficult to work with?
While being a perfectionist can have some benefits, such as producing high-quality work and setting a good example for others, it can also have some drawbacks.
Perfectionist employees may be overly critical of their own work and may struggle to let go of projects or move on to new tasks if they feel that their work is not perfect.
They may also be overly critical of the work of others or struggle to delegate tasks due to a need for control. They expect others to be as excellent and diligent as they are.
How can two-faced co-workers affect my mental health?
Two-faced colleagues can be difficult to work with, as it can be difficult to know what to expect from them or to trust them.
They may be prone to gossiping, spreading rumors, or manipulating others in order to further their own interests or protect their own reputation.
They may present a friendly, helpful, and supportive demeanor to some people while being secretive, dishonest, or undermining towards others.
How do pessimistic colleagues affect my workplace experience?
A pessimistic co-worker is someone who tends to see the negative aspects of situations and to expect the worst outcomes. They may frequently express doubt, skepticism, or frustration and may have a negative attitude towards work or towards their colleagues.
Working with a pessimistic co-worker can be challenging, as their negativity can be contagious and affect the overall mood and productivity of the team.
How can I manage workplace bullying?
Dealing with workplace bullying can be difficult and stressful, and it can negatively affect your mental health, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and address the situation. Here are some things you can try:
Steps to Take When Dealing with Workplace Bullying
- Document the behavior
- Write down each incident as soon as it happens
- Include dates, times, locations, and people involved
- Record exact words or actions when possible
- Note any witnesses or related evidence, such as emails or messages
- Assess your safety and readiness
- Consider whether confronting the bully feels physically and emotionally safe
- Reflect on whether the behavior is occasional or part of a repeated pattern
- Decide if you feel calm and prepared to address the situation
- Talk to the bully (if appropriate)
- Choose a private setting and a calm moment
- Use clear, respectful language focused on behaviors, not character
- Explain how the behavior affects your work or well-being
- State what changes you would like to see moving forward
- Seek support
- Talk with a trusted friend, family member, or colleague
- Consider speaking with a counselor or mental health professional
- Use support to gain perspective and emotional reassurance
- Use your company’s resources
- Review workplace policies on bullying and harassment
- Report the behavior to a supervisor, manager, or HR department
- Share your documented incidents clearly and objectively
- Ask about next steps and follow-up procedures
- Follow up and keep records
- Document meetings, emails, and responses from management
- Keep copies of any official reports or correspondence
- Track whether the behavior improves or continues
- Consider legal action
- Consult an employment attorney if the bullying persists
- Learn about your rights and possible legal options
- Use legal guidance to determine appropriate next steps
- Prioritize your well-being
- Acknowledge the emotional impact of workplace bullying
- Practice stress-management and self-care strategies
- Seek professional help if anxiety, depression, or burnout develops
Remember that you have the right to a safe and respectful work environment, and that it is not your fault if you are being bullied. Don’t be afraid to speak up and seek help if you are being mistreated in the workplace.
If you are a victim of bullying and it has resulted in depression and anxiety, visit Mindshift Psychological Services. We offer therapy and counseling sessions in Corona and Riverside, CA, for people who struggle with depression, anxiety, and trauma. We also offer telehealth therapy services across California. Visit our website to learn more about us. You may also contact us at (714) 584-9700 to schedule an appointment.
We accept Medicare, Medi-Cal, IEHP, and Tricare insurance plans.
FAQs
- How does workplace bullying affect mental health long-term?
Workplace bullying can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Many individuals benefit from therapy for depression or anxiety with a mental health therapist in California, which helps process trauma, restore confidence, and develop healthier coping strategies. - When should I seek professional help for workplace bullying?
If bullying causes persistent anxiety, depression, sleep issues, or impacts daily functioning, professional support is recommended. A psychotherapist online or a therapist in Corona, CAcan provide telehealth therapy services to address emotional distress while helping you navigate workplace challenges safely. - Can online therapy help with stress caused by workplace bullying?
Yes. Online counseling services in California, including virtual cognitive behavioral therapy, are effective for managing bullying-related stress. Working with a telehealth therapist for anxiety helps reframe negative thoughts, regulate emotions, and build resilience without disrupting work schedules. - What if workplace bullying is affecting my relationship or family life?
Bullying stress often spills into personal relationships. Couples counseling, family therapy,or marriage counseling in California can support communication, reduce conflict, and help loved ones understand the emotional toll of workplace experiences. - Are there accessible therapy options for working professionals in California?
Absolutely. Telehealth mental health counseling makes care flexible and accessible. These services allow professionals to receive consistent support while maintaining work responsibilities and protecting their mental health.