Harassment in the Workplace: The Hidden Mental Health Toll
Harassment is a formal word for bullying, and when it happens at work, it is more than a violation of policy, it's a violation of psychological safety. Whether it’s hidden or blatant, occasional or ongoing, harassment can leave deep emotional scars that linger long after the workday ends
In today’s world, workplace cultures are shifting toward greater awareness and accountability. However, harassment - whether it is based on gender, race, origin, disability, sexuality, or age - remains an all-too-common experience.
And its impact on mental health is real, serious, and often overlooked.
What Is Workplace Harassment?
Workplace harassment includes any unwelcome behavior that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive work environment that a person must tolerate to keep their job. It can be:
Verbal: Insults, slurs, derogatory comments, or threats
Physical: Unwanted touching, intimidation, or aggression
Psychological: Manipulation, gaslighting, or isolating a person from projects or teams
Sexual: Inappropriate jokes, advances, or nonconsensual physical contact
Cyber or digital: Harassing emails, texts, or social media behaviors
Harassment often stems from unequal or abusive power dynamics, and when ignored, can erode self-worth, safety, and belonging. It is linked to long-term psychological distress and burnout, especially when employees feel unsupported.
Mental Health Impacts of Workplace Harassment
People who experience workplace harassment are at increased risk for:
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Fear of being singled out and targeted.
Fear of retaliation.
Hypervigilance at work.
Depression
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or fatigue
Self-blame and internalized guilt.
Loss of interest in work or activities
Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms
Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Avoidance of specific people, places, or tasks
Impaired Work Functioning
Decreased productivity
Fear of speaking up or advocating for oneself
Increased absenteeism or thoughts of quitting
Long-Term Physical Health Problems
Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure, headaches, digestive issues, and more
Increased risk of substance use as a coping mechanism
Why Many Victims Stay Silent
Fear of retaliation or job loss
Belief that reporting won’t change anything
Shame, self-doubt, or minimizing the experience
Workplace cultures that dismiss or tolerate harmful behaviors
Fear of losing promotional opportunities or receiving an unfair performance review
What Can Help?
Seek Mental Health Support
A trauma-informed therapist can help you:
Process trauma or injustice
Rebuild confidence and emotional safety
Learn coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and boundaries
Practice Nervous System Regulation
Deep breathing, grounding, and mindfulness can reduce panic and increase clarity
Take breaks, move your body, and do things that remind you of your strength
Final Thoughts
It is a basic human right to feel safe and supported at work. That safety cannot exist in a workplace culture that tolerates bullying and harassment. If you are facing this challenge in your work setting, know that you are not alone and that support is available.
Monique M. Schofield, M.A., PCLC
References
Dingfelder, S. F. (2006, July 1). Banishing bullying. Monitor on Psychology, 37(7). https://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug06/banishing
Society for Human Resource Management. (2020). Workplace harassment: Understanding the problem and how to fix it. SHRM Research. https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/behavioral-competencies/global-and-cultural-effectiveness/pages/workplace-harassment.aspx
Vijayakumar, G., & Rajagopal, S. (2024). ADDRESSING WORKPLACE BULLYING: PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE MODERN WORKPLACE. Revista De Gestao Social E Ambiental, 18(2), 1-13.