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We all have different thresholds of managing stress. Negative issues in the workplace can impact an employee’s wellbeing. I’ve heard hardened marine veterans cry from being poorly treated in their workplace. There are women I know who have quit their job because they couldn’t handle the stress of being bullied in their job.
It’s different for each person—do we ever know what that person is truly feeling, and if they can cope with stressful situations? Suicides due to workplace bullying and harassment are all over social media and in the news.
There are many different statistics on workplace bullying occurrences. There are a surprising number of people bullied in their workplace, nonetheless. Bullying can be a simple as not telling an employee there is a meeting in 30 minutes or laughing at an employee to embarrass them when they walk into their work cafeteria. Unfortunately, bullying is not illegal. However, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), harassment discrimination is illegal. https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/types/harassment.cfm, This kind of employment discrimination, involves unwelcomed conduct based on sex, religion, color, race, national origin, disability, or genetic information.
Whether it is illegal or not—there is a link between suicide and workplace bullying and harassment discrimination. Harassed employees can often feel anxious, depressed, or have other health issues.
Fear of being fired or concerns of bringing attention to their problems can harm the employee. Since many people are not aware of their workplace rights, they may feel powerless. If an employee feels they cannot afford an employment or labor attorney—they may also believe they are defenseless. Feeling empowered helps people feel they are more in control of their life. I will share some resources in this article.
An employee can also seek help with a professional mental health expert so that they can get diagnosed properly. A mental health expert can prescribe medication an employee may need at the time, and a mental health expert can assist with a Reasonable Accommodation. A trained mental health professional experienced in workplace matters can be a real asset. The EEOC provides guidance on seeking Reasonable Accommodations at https://www.eeoc.gov/policy/docs/accommodation.html
The United Way www.211.org program also offers many resources across the United States and even in Canada that can help employees. For example, employees can reach out to United Way’s 211 program to find resources for food, shelter, health, clothing, and most basic needs.
Here are two websites with guidance around suicides, provided by Stacey Freedenthal, Ph.D., LCSW that are very helpful:
No one should ever be ashamed of being mistreated—it’s a reflection on the person who is abusing others. Sometimes, bullies have experienced being mistreated, too, but we can hold people accountable for deplorable behavior. We all go through hard times, but we can survive and thrive with the help of others. If you see someone who is suicidal or appears distressed, please support them.
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Dawn Marie Westmoreland is a highly skilled Human Resource Consultant with 30 years of experience. She provides a “How To” system to eradicate workplace bullying and discrimination to executive teams, global leaders, political teams, government leaders, attorneys, mental health professionals, and employees. She creates a harmonious values-based culture for a safe and respected work environment. Learn more at https://www.workplacebullyingsupport.com Listen to Dawn's podcast; The Empowered Whistleblower at https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-empowered-whistleblower Watch Public Access TV interview on "Solutions To Workplace Bullying and Discrimination" at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZTg3LqoVdo. She is a weekly radio talk host with WPVM FM 103.7 on workplace issues.
