According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, as reported by Big Think, most people deal with that person at work. Whether that person is a bully, mean-hearted, or is particularly triggering for a personal reason, most people have to interact with someone who is toxic in their life. People spend a large amount of their time in the workplace. Having to regularly endure the presence of someone toxic and triggering can have an effect on mental health. Depression, anxiety, and physical health can all be affected. If you are in recovery from a trauma in your life, these experiences can be magnified tenfold as you have a completely different array of symptoms to cope with.
Recovery from any life experience be it trauma, a chemical addiction, or a related mental health issue, generally revolves around learning how to live life with these conditions, as opposed to living in spite of them. Many in recovery use the phrase “living life on life’s terms”. Life’s terms are not always pleasant and easy. Unfortunately, life’s terms are not always trauma informed. Sometimes, life’s terms include the “jerk at work” as the article puts it. Then, recovery means learning to live and function productively in an environment that has a toxic participant.
Create Boundaries
Outside of critical work related conversations, be adamant about setting verbal boundaries with your co-worker. Unless they are talking about something regarding work you are specifically involved in, there is no need for you to participate in an unnecessary conversation with them. Make it clear that you aren’t interested and when necessary tell them so.
Self-Care
If it is inevitable that you have to interact with a toxic person regularly at work it is critical that you have the tools available for self-care. Take a walk outside to meditate. Have a stress toy on your desk. Keep a stocked box of your favorite relaxing tea and a blanket to drape over your legs. Hang pictures of landscapes, animals, and friends that make you feel safe and calm.
Have Compassion
This is often the most difficult tool for navigating toxic people. Toxic people are toxic after all. Everyone has a story. Toxic behavior is not usually voluntary. There are few examples of people who truly want to be that person. Somewhere on the journey of their life they endured life circumstances that built up these coping behaviors and strained their ability to have healthy interactions with other people. Compassion is not the same as condoning their behaviors. Rather than villainize them, you can realize everyone is on a journey.
Everyone has a story before treatment. When you arrive at The Guest House Ocala, you are welcomed with open arms as we meet you just as you are, where you are in your life. Our personally curated treatment programs are designed with your specific needs and interests in mind to help you get to where you want to be in life- mind, body, and spirit. Call us today: 1-855-483-7800