Drew Mitchell: On Words

In 2009, I set up a web site and blog called “Stop Workplace Bullies – Now!”  I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder in 2005 and with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2008. Both of these issues are linked to my history of being bullied.  A combination of medication and therapy by a wonderful psychologist has helped me considerably, but there are still triggers that force the trauma back into my life. I will probably never be “better,” but now I understand my condition and what I need to do to make my life as normal as possible.

I continue to be very involved in the fight against bullying, having educated myself over the past several years on the effects of bullying in schools, but more specifically in the workplace.  There are more laws governing school bullying than ever before, but the fight to stop workplace bullying still is a major issue that forces many people to struggle in life.

You may ask “why is this the case?” Because bullying in the workplace is not usually considered a form of discrimination or harassment if the person being targeted is not in a “protected class.” That means that if a person is not protected by laws regarding race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, etc., there are very few means of legal recourse against the perpetrator and/or the employer.

It is high time that people recognize that abuses against people in non-protected classes do exist, those abuses constitute harassment and they can cause physical and psychological harm to those targeted! Outside of legitimate disciplinary procedures, people should be able to go to work without being subjected to negative behaviors from superiors or coworkers. Negative behavior without good cause is considered harassment toward any person that is protected by anti-discrimination laws.  All workers deserve such protection.  These negative behaviors have caused people to endure life-threatening health issues and even commit suicide.

I hope to raise awareness of the workplace bullying problem and to make people aware of the need for anti-bullying legislation so that all people – children and adults – can lead healthy, productive lives without fear of being at the mercy of bullies. So please, click here to go to “Stop Workplace Bullies – Now!” and help me to raise awareness for this cause.  You can also browse my bookstore for various Anti-Bullying Resources.  Thank you!