The advice zone

I have just come back from work after a day of being bullied. I cannot carry on like this any longer, and I feel I need help. Could you suggest anything?

I am sorry to hear you are having such a very distressing time at work; there is no doubt that bullying can undermine your confidence and self respect. It sounds as if this situation has been going on for some time and something today has triggered you to seek help. Well done—you have taken the first step in changing this untenable situation.

Firstly you need to get advice from the BMA. If you are a member, say that you need advice on whether the actions that are affecting you constitute bullying in employment terms. To get an outside view is helpful when the situation is severe. Do you have friends, colleagues, or family who can give you wise advice?

You do not mention who is bullying you; your line manager needs to be informed, and may be more helpful than you expect, and you may find that others are experiencing the bullying too. It may be just one person who is bullying you or it may be institutional, and have become a pattern whereby …