Heard of adult bullying? Heard of adults considering suicide as a result?
We often focus on bullying of children in school, which is life threatening for some children, but did you know adults bullying adults can also be a serious threat to the health and wellbeing of those adults?
Gina is an economics teacher at the local high school. She’s a team player and is always ready to drop what she’s doing to work at a project for the common good. Unfortunately, the shop teacher works closely with her in preparing students for artisan livelihoods after high school, so they need to get along.
However, the shop teacher, Frank, is far less committed to the idea of getting along, and far more invested in getting his way.
This made for some miserable days.
One day Gina was in her classroom after hours, grading papers, and Frank came storming in, shouting. Frank wanted a workshop for combining shop projects with instructions on economics to show the students how to market and sell their wares. But he was planning it for a Friday when Gina’s class was presenting their projects — in costume — in preparation for a test.
Gina didn’t want this special day disrupted, but Frank wouldn’t consider a different date. He wanted it his way without argument. So he yelled.
Then, his yelling became peppered with derogatory remarks aimed at Gina.
This wasn’t the first time their communication had descended to this level. Every time Frank had a similar meltdown, Gina tried to reason with him, and all too often she had given in and let Frank have his way to maintain peace.
But this was affecting Gina’s health. Her blood pressure had become difficult to control, and honestly, she was losing her joy for teaching. Every day was such a battle.
She approached administration. And long story short, they said to ignore Frank. Not so easy, that’s for sure. Gina didn’t like to stir up conflict, and fighting with administration just seemed futile.
Gina needs this job. During the pandemic, it’s not easy to quit and get another good teaching job. She had worn herself out using every interpersonal skill she could muster to come to compromises with Frank. Last week the doctor told her she has an ulcer developing. She’s always internalizing the conflicts with Frank. What’s she supposed to do?
Now, she’s run down from dealing with Frank…from compromising at the cost of her own students’ welfare. She’s thought about changing jobs, but she just doesn’t have the energy for it. She’s tired of trying so hard. Lost her fight for confrontation. And she’s begun thinking about a way to be rid of all these problems… not that she’d do anything drastic. …or would she? She has to find a way to get away from Frank.
The trouble with adult bullying is that adults try to solve their own problems. When they do, sometimes the crisis turns on them, with migraines, ulcers, and blood pressure problems. Sometimes it can be even worse with suicidal thoughts and actions. If they do report the behavior, they’re often told to ignore it and it will resolve itself…or they’re told to work it out with their coworker. But…when dealing with a bully, that rarely brings a solution.
Have you ever worked with a toxic coworker? Have you, an adult, been bullied by an adult?
It’s easy to consider someone who isn’t all that pleasant, as being toxic…or a bully. But is that always the case? So how do we define a bully? The APA describes bullying as an aggressive behavior that intentionally and repeatedly causes another person harm or discomfort. And when the aggression intimidates, demands, and demeans, harm is the result.
Some people find it so difficult to cope with this ongoing demeaning that they internalize the rage they feel… and seek a way of escape.
Bullying should never be ignored.
If you are being, or have been, bullied at work or at home, steps should be taken to make you safe.
And…if the ongoing mistreatment has resulted in depression that doesn’t respond to other treatments, IV ketamine treatment may be an effective option for you.
Sometimes depression can lead to thoughts of hurting yourself, especially if the circumstances scream for escape. If that happens, take action right away to stop those thoughts. One action you can take is to reach out for IV ketamine treatment to stop suicidal thoughts. To keep you safe, while you seek further treatment for safety to avoid injury or harm.
Of course, IV ketamine treatment won’t stop bullying. You have to do that. But ketamine treatment can restore your ability to come up with creative solutions, and the resilience you need to do that. It isn’t for everyone. But the percentage of people it helps is so high, that chances are it can be transformative for you.
When we work together to restore your resilience through IV ketamine treatment, your options can open up again. The restored creativity you experience can help you make decisions that strengthen and improve your life. That trapped feeling can dissipate, and be replaced by new hope.
If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of severe depression, bipolar depression, PTSD, social anxiety, substance or alcohol use disorders…or if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, and nothing you’ve tried has helped, call us.
We’re here at Innovative Psychiatry to help you get your life back on track by restoring hope and resilience through ketamine treatment.
To the restoration of your best self,
