What to do now?

[sportinguista]

I'm on sick leave at the moment with stress and severe anxiety due to workplace bullying that really has been going on for many years but has increased over the last 12 months to the point I really can't cope any more. It's of the insidious kind, difficult to prove and the person doing it seems to be protected in that many people have complained and also resigned but nothing gets done regarding it. HR have been useless and also more senior managers.

So, I've admitted defeat and need to get myself back on track both physically and mentally. I need to know from anyone who has been through this that it's possible to move on. I have support from DH and also a previous target of this and want to possibly change careers/ go part-time. So if anyone is out there to give me encouragement that I can rise above it all and make a new life let me hear your story please.

I've been through similar recently so you can have my support

Have you spoken to your GP? Mine has been brilliant.

Are you in a union? If not, I'd join one today.

Hi, No I'm not in a union but I have spoken to the GP as this is a recurring issue in that I've been off for stress about it before. I also have the support of a brilliant counsellor.

I know it sounds defeatist but I really feel that it's best to get out and move on with my life as I know from the experience of others nothing will be done.

Jilted really hope you found that life improved with help. Did you leave the situation or was it resolved?

I'm now trying to plan a life without that particular workplace and I'm finding that underneath all the stress I'm quite optimistic about a new start. I'm hoping to maybe become a TA which will be a complete career change but I think that's what I need at the moment.

I'm still hoping to do my original career just on a freelance basis as well.

Since I've been through this I've heard so many stories that are similar to mine it has shocked me. People should not have to face this just to earn a living.

A lot of people are telling me I should fight the whole bullying thing and that I shouldn't walk away without a fight. But can any HR person tell me whether it's even worth doing as all I'll probably achieve is a chance to say my piece and that's about it.

Also what if anything should I say at an exit interview. What is likely to happen as regards of giving notice and being on sick leave?

I moved within the organisation to a different location and am fine now thanks. Had some great support from DH and have been taking sertraline which has really helped.

It is totally upto you if you want to fight it. Think you would need to take professional advice before doing that though and assess how strong you feel about facing it.

Thanks it's good you were able to get away from the situation and helps when you have support. I feel a bit angry at the way I have been treated but it's kind of stirred the fighting spirit in me and made me realise that nearly 10 years of putting up with it all has really sapped my sense of self.

I'm not sure fighting it will make any difference but a parting shot over the bows might give me at least the satisfaction of saying what I think!