One of the biggest challenges facing many people who have experienced severe workplace bullying is getting unstuck. Some may feel trapped, helpless, or victimized. Others may be caught in a cycle of anger, defiance, or battle-like conflict. Oftentimes, these thought patterns and behaviors are associated with psychological conditions including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.
Bullying targets also may be dealing with what psychiatrist Michael Linden has labeled Post-Traumatic Embitterment Disorder, a condition triggering levels of “embitterment and feelings of injustice” to the point of impairing one’s “performance in daily activities and roles.” These reactions can be so strong and enduring that they render someone helpless to address the situation.
Of course, used insensitively, terms such as “it’s time to move on” and “let it go” sound like slightly softer versions of “get over it.” Interpersonal abuse is not easily shaken off and disposed of, and it certainly should not be…
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