Work call... trigger warning

[Diorinthecountry]

I received a call tonight from a person who was verbally abusive to me, spoke to me in an aggressive manner and swore at me. This person wouldn't let me speak so after a few minutes, I said that I was ending the call as they wouldn't let me speak.

The issue was to do with bins and rubbish that's not within my control.

I know that I should have just shaken it off but I've been having panic attacks and my anxiety has went through the roof becouse of this. It's definitely triggered my abusive childhood because it's made me feel stupid, worthless and the memories of my abusive childhood has been popping into my mind since the phone call.

Sorry I just really needed to get this out my head.

What this person done was as an example. Talk absolutely shit to a supermarket till worker and blame them about the cost of living.

Thank you for reading and your thoughts.

I hope the panic attacks subside and the intrusive thoughts ease off for you soon.

I don't fully understand your post so it's hard to comment more helpfully.

You've titled it "work call" so this means it was a colleague phoning you? Or a member of the public? You're in work right now?

@SusanMaria thank you for your kind words. Sorry probably didn't word it right as my head is swimming. It was a member of the public calling me about something that I manage.

Bring it up with your manager as it might be triggered again. Maybe just ask what the policy is for ending calls and escalation etc?

If you work in housing I salute you

Sorry to hear this brought up old feelings/memories and panic attacks. Do you think you might benefit from some therapy? I hope you're feeling a bit better - it's horrible when your brain sabotages you like this.

Stuff like grounding techniques (make sure you've both feet on the floor,
take a moment to count 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can touch, 2 things you can smell and one thing you can taste) and breathing techniques (look up square breathing) can help too. Take care.

Don't work for the company beginning with B do you?

@sillyonehetpes I am self employed. It's my business. I have been asking my clients to sort this issue for a while now and yet nothing gets done. Yes it is housing related.

@pogostickplastique no I don't. I am self employed.

@NewBootsAndRanty thank you. I will try your steps in the future and definitely tonight.

Just to add - you're not stupid or worthless - you're smart enough to be self employed, and you're clearly in touch with yourself enough to recognise that your childhood was abusive, what's triggered today's feelings, and that you just need to get your balance back as it were.

Even after you think you've unlearned the negative stuff that came with it, intrusive thoughts are bloody horrible. Self soothing is fine - whatever makes you happy or calmer. Give yourself a hug (seriously).

Sorry that you ended up with an idiot on the phone.

@NewBootsAndRanty thank you so much 💕

I honestly don't know what triggered my emotions or feelings it's totally came out of the blue.