Bullying: What to Do?

Working life or everyday school life is rarely free of conflicts. But not every conflict can be put under the heading of “mobbing“. One speaks of mobbing only when the attacks have taken place at least half a year and at least once a week. Exclusion, injustice, incorrect evaluation of work performance, all examples of mobbing. Depending on their personality, the victims try to adapt, to defend themselves or to let it all wash over them. But often, the victim’s reaction reinforces the bullies’ activities.

Ominous cycle

Depending on their personality, victims try to adapt, fight back, or let it all wash over them. But often, the victim’s reaction reinforces the bullies’ activities. Once this has happened, an ominous cycle often begins: The very idea that they want to destroy them completely upsets many people. They cannot explain their colleague’s aggressiveness and begin to doubt themselves.

How does bullying work?

  • Not talking to each other. In bullying, communication changes: for example, people talk badly about you or rumors are spread.
  • Attack the reputation of the bullied, because bullying starts with an insecurity.
  • Manipulate work tasks. Examples: Kränkende tasks zuschanzen, pointless tasks to do or work that is no longer manageable.

Serious consequences for the soul and body

The constant attacks against the personality create permanent stress in the victim. The victim feels humiliated and devalued by the terror. His need for security and recognition is constantly undermined. At first, this gnaws away at self-confidence. Later, it affects health.

Initially, bullying leads to psychosomatic complaints such as stomach and intestinal disorders in many of those affected. This is usually followed by problems falling asleep and sleeping through the night. The victims wake up at night, brood for hours and agonize over their problems at work. During the day, they are tired, listless and have difficulty concentrating. The mood becomes increasingly worse, the bullied feel depressed and are desperate. Many of those affected therefore also suffer from depression.

Where does bullying thrive?

  • The risk of falling victim to a smear campaign is highest at the beginning (up to age 25) and at the end of a professional career (over age 55). Career starters are particularly at risk. New and young employees are under high pressure to adapt and have not yet found advocates among colleagues.
  • Job cuts, unemployment, market and competition strike through to the workplace. The pressure to perform is increasing.
  • Rigid organizational structures (hierarchy), poor working conditions or poor working atmosphere complicate working life.
  • Elbow mentality, careerism, lack of self-esteem, hypersensitivity or overreaction and problems outside of work can provoke bullying.

Act early

At the latest when health disorders have occurred, the victim should see a doctor, possibly take a sick leave to reconsider his situation without pressure and take appropriate measures. The spectrum ranges from anti-anxiety medications and drug treatment of sleep disorders to behavioral therapy and depth psychology-based psychotherapy.

The aim of these therapies is to strengthen self-esteem. Those affected should not wait too long and hope that the psychological terror will stop by itself. It is also important to get in touch with people who could help you, who may have had similar experiences. Self-help groups, for example, which exist throughout Germany, are suitable.

How can bullying be prevented?

  • Do not get sidelined, but make social networks at work with colleagues.
  • Sharpen sensitivity to others and recognize and deal with their own problems and conflicts. Strengthen the own “I”.
  • Address problems (right away) and do not try to cope alone.
  • Contribute to de-escalation, so that you do not run into the bullying trap.