Do you think there is a correlation between having depression or bipolar disorder and being abused? Has anyone felt like they areistreated, looked down on, even harassed in their places of work? Is this normal? Do we open ourselves up to it or do people take advantage of our disorders?
It goes both ways. I think people sense our vulnerability. The not-so-nice types were the ones who teased and bullied us when we were kids. The adults who take advantage of our sensitive natures are our new bullies.
But I also think at times I read more into things. Maybe because I feel vulnerable I feel raw and can be more defensive. People know who has power and who doesn't. Depressed people don't feel powerful. We don't act from a place of strength when we're under the black cloud. How people treat the weak and vulnerable says a lot about them. How we react says a lot about us.
There is definitely a link to depression and abuse, esp if it's abuse in the workplace. As a Project Manager for over 8 yrs, I dealt with many many people and employees on a daily basis but being sensitive to their concerns or problems, including health, was my main priority. Abuse in the workplace should never ever be tolerated and no one should have to deal with that. Your workplace is like a second home and should be comfortable, not a place where you suffer any sort of abuse. That's completely unprofessional and unacceptable and you should seek out a manager or HR if it's coming from a manager. Also make sure to document every time it happens, maybe by sending an email to yourself with the date, time, parties involved and exactly what was said in the situation; keeping record of things like that is an excellent way to prove your case and shows proactive action on your part. In the meantime, try to never take it personal and realize whoever is doing the abusing is the one with the insecurities and issues, NOT you!! It's a reflection of themselves they are just transposing onto others. If you have fellow coworkers who feel the same way, get together with them and have them do the same documenting of the abuse and together, you'll have a solid reason for action to be taken. Contructive criticism in the workplace is one thing but abuse and being put down is absolutely something different and not acceptable. I'm so sorry you've had to deal with this and it would certainly cause depression esp if it's a job you once loved and gained a sense of accomplishment and achievement. Fight back and do not allow this to take over your mental state! In the end, it's just a job and your health and wellbeing are so much more important!
Oh... Thats really horrible. I had that to. There was this one guy who abused me for several months because of my sexuality and appearance. What I did I went to head office and complained. They put the guys ego down to ground. Never be silent about this. Fight for yourself.
I think I opened myself up for workplace bullying. First the boss was sexually abusing me then when I met a guy the boss turned and started yelling at me in front of the others and more I won't go into here. When I finally went to his boss I was told it's easier to replace me then the boss. I stuck around as long as I could cause I needed the money but they pushed me to resign by making it really hard for me.
Anyway yes, when we where all outside having a drink after work I was asked a lot of questions cause I was new. I was honest and said no I'd been on my own for a long time just with the kids, also that I had depression. I believe he took advantage of that when he started chasing me around grabbing me.
Please if you do feel like you are being bullied at work speak up straight away... x x
Thank you all xxx I , applied for post all over waiting for the one to come back to me I have to realize the problem isn't with me but about me because I have to guts to question her and she cant handle it. I just pray for calmness