Bullying doesn’t stay in the schoolyard. Workplace bullying is real. It’s also dangerous. Studies have shown that being bullied at work can increase suicidal thoughts. It’s entirely possible, though, to be the target of a workplace bully and not realize it.

Here are some ways to determine if you are the target of a workplace bully — and what you can do about it.

Telltale Signs

• You feel physically ill: how do you feel the night before a work day? Do you feel nauseous, anxious, or stressed out? Do you dread walking into the office regularly? Your might be working in a toxic environment.
• You feel a great amount of shame: while you are at work, you feel ashamed of almost every task you set out to do. You feel worthless and useless and you aren’t sure that your work matters. You also feel shame when thinking about work or considering telling someone how you feel.
• You can regularly called out during meetings: no matter how hard you try or what you do, your boss blatantly blames you for shortcomings in front of others. You sometimes feel like a punching bag.
• You are afraid to speak up: if you can’t speak your mind for fear of being yelled at or ridiculed, you may be facing a bully.
• Your blood pressure has shot up: your blood pressure might be on the rise due to workplace tension.

 

The Obvious Link

You can’t hide from your body. Physical symptoms often manifest as a result of mental torment. If you are working in an environment that is toxic, your body will let you know. What can you do about it? The first step is to speak with the person that is making your work life difficult. If you find that you can’t communicate well, you may want to speak with someone in the human resources department.

If that doesn’t result in any kind of change, it might be time to switch jobs. It is vital to your well-being that you find purpose at work. You can still find purpose in the tasks that you do while working in a toxic environment — but, you will be a lot happier if you find a workplace environment that you enjoy spending time in. If you are being bullied, speak up. Your mind and body will thank you!