I have a fear of being bullied what should I do?

calivianya, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2015

I think you should talk to someone. Nursing isn't the only field where you're going to run into people who put you down, for sure. I've had passive aggressive coworkers in every job I've ever had. This sort of fear would be crippling in just about any field; there are very few jobs where you don't have to deal with other people at all. Maybe a therapist can help you figure out why you're so afraid of being bullied and give you strategies on how to deal with your fears.

quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN · Oct 1, 2015

I would definitely recommend talking to someone about this.

I developed trust issues and had to deal with them. I went into my current job with trepidation. I was happy to realize over time, that I work with a great group of people and that I can and do trust my co-workers. Yet, I had to learn how to deal with why I don't trust people and my therapist helped me with that as well as what kind of self talk I should have.

FlyingScot, RN · Oct 1, 2015

I have been having this fear since late 2011 and it has really held me back academically, socially,etc. I don't know it's this fear of people belittling, putting me down, passive aggressive behavior. And since nursing can have more of this behavior (from what I have heard) I really haven't been able to pursue this career even though I think it could something I could. Any input would be helpful . Thanks in advance.

It doesn't happen any more in nursing than in any other job. It just has name in health care. That being said, you've identified that this is impacting all aspects of your life. You need to seek professional help to get a handle on your fears and insecurities. This needs to be done before you decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. An anonymous on-line forum will not be able to provide you with what you need to find peace.

Good luck with your future endeavors.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Oct 1, 2015

Sounds almost like performance anxiety (AKA, fear of value judgments). That would create a lot of anxiety related to any situation in which others would be 'rating' you ... in any way: performance, appearance, intelligence, skills, etc. I have a close family member in which this phenomenon reared it's head when she hit middle school. It gave rise to all sorts of strange behaviors & worried her parents to death. Although very talented, she nearly gave up on music until her doc prescribed beta-blockers to control physical sx prior to performances.

Agree with PPs - probably time to seek help from a qualified professional.