Healing While You're Still Being Bullied at Work

Last Updated June 26, 2025

Workplace bullying is deeply painful and often leaves lasting wounds in both personal and professional life. Being mistreated where you work isn’t just frustrating—it can slowly unravel your confidence, self-trust, and sense of security. For those still experiencing it, the idea of healing may feel distant or even impossible. But even in the middle of the abuse, healing can begin.

One of the hardest things about workplace abuse is how senseless it feels. Most people try to explain it away at first, asking what they did to cause it or how they might fix it. But workplace bullying is not rational. It’s not about logic or fairness. It often stems from insecurity, power struggles, and organizational failures. Continuing to search for a clear reason only creates more pain. Part of healing is accepting that there may never be a satisfying explanation. Releasing the need to make sense of someone else’s behavior allows you to focus on your own well-being instead of staying tangled in confusion.

When you're still inside a hostile work environment, self-talk becomes an essential tool. It’s a way to pull your attention away from what’s being said to you and back to what’s true about you. You might say, “I didn’t cause this. I’m not responsible for their behavior,” or “I am competent, and I do not deserve to be treated this way.” While this may sound simple, repeating affirming truths can help you stay connected to your value and begin to rebuild your internal foundation. Over time, practicing intentional self-talk—especially at the moment—can reduce how deeply the abuse cuts. It won’t stop the behavior, but it can protect your identity from being shaped by it.

 Part of what makes workplace bullying so damaging is the isolation it creates. Many people stop talking about it altogether because they’re dismissed, disbelieved, or told they’re overreacting. This lack of support can reinforce the false idea that the bullying is somehow their fault. Healing becomes more possible when someone validates your experience. Whether it's a therapist, a trusted friend, or someone familiar with the dynamics of workplace abuse, being believed is powerful. It reminds you that what you're experiencing is real—and that you are not alone in recognizing it.

Healing doesn’t have to wait until you’ve left the toxic environment. While recovery will look different for everyone, beginning the process now can help protect your well-being and preserve your sense of self. That might mean writing down what’s happening, grounding yourself in affirming truths, seeking a support system, or simply refusing to internalize the cruelty. Small steps toward healing, even while you're still being mistreated, can make a meaningful difference. The abuse may continue, but that doesn’t mean you have to remain stuck in it emotionally.

Healing isn’t about forgetting or minimizing what’s happening. It’s about making space for your own strength and clarity—even in the middle of harm.

If you're still living through workplace abuse and looking for ways to begin healing, I’ve created “Living Through Workplace Abuse” designed to support you. Explore the healing guide directly Here.