The Effects of Workplace Bullying and How to Overcome it.

The factors that affect our mental health are numerous and can impact the quality of our lives. Workplace bullying has been a threat to mental health, and even though a lot of campaigns have been directed towards curbing it, it still seems to be gaining ground in our society.

A lot of employees are being bullied by their bosses and even colleagues. Sometimes the way an organization is run, in terms of the lack of enforcement of staff rights and disciplinary actions by the management, encourages malignant bullying. Many victims of workplace bullying have developed anxiety, depression, and other health issues such as high blood pressure, sleeping disorder and malnutrition. These problems can also affect workplace performance, which can stunt career growth, family relationships, and healthy social life. Everyone must know the signs and try to guard themselves against the effects of bullying, especially in the current dispensation where the entire world is going through a tough phase.

Everyone needs to know how to keep themselves safe in the workplace. Victims should speak up and let bullies know that their actions are harmful to not only them but everyone around them. Demand respect politely and assertively and point out their behaviours that are not okay. It is also a good idea to complain to relevant people in the organization such as the human resources team or management, especially when the bully will not back down after being confronted. It can be a bit tricky when the bully is a top manager or your direct boss, this should be handled with care. Talk to human resources about your concerns in terms of working with such individuals, have them consider moving you to a different team if possible.

It is often said that bystanders who watch and keep quiet when another person is being bullied, are also as guilty as the bully. This might not be far from the truth. Everyone must ensure that the workplace is conducive and healthy and that no one's peace of mind is being threatened. If you ever notice any act of bullying in your workplace, talk to other colleagues about your concern, see how you can put heads together to support the victim. Sometimes all people need is to know that they are loved, and people around them have their back. This can improve the victim’s countenance, confidence, and overall mood, and even encourage them to stand up to the bully.

In cases where you find yourself not having any support from co-workers, management, or HR, it is important to plan your exit from the organization. You deserve to be in a healthy environment that promotes mental health and is stress-free. Before you find a new job, build coping mechanisms to reduce the effect of bullying on your mental health. Limit your interactions with the stressor, if possible, be confident and optimistic that things will soon change for the better.

Even after overcoming bullying or exiting a stressful environment, victims need to seek help through therapy. Here you can slowly lift the baggage of the impact that your bad experience might have had on you by talking to a professional therapist. Lea Bediako of Mersi Counselling Services is a registered social worker that specializes in walking people through these kinds of battles and helping them leave all the pain behind. Book a session with her today.

-Lea Bediako