Workplace bullying is repeated behaviour at work that is meant to put you down, scare you or shut you out. It can come from a manager, a coworker or even a client. If you dread going in, replay comments at night or have started to doubt yourself, you are not overreacting. Being bullied at work can wear anyone down.
This post is general information, not medical advice, legal advice or a diagnosis.
What workplace bullying is
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) describes bullying as acts or verbal comments that could psychologically or "mentally" hurt or isolate a person at work. It usually involves repeated incidents or a pattern of behaviour meant to intimidate, offend, degrade or humiliate a person or group (see Sources). CCOHS also notes that one incident can sometimes be enough, especially if it has a lasting effect.
Bullying is about a pattern and about power. It is not about one bad day or one awkward meeting.
Examples of bullying at work
Bullying can be loud and obvious, or quiet and hard to name. Common examples include:
Being shouted at, mocked or put down, in private or in front of others
Constant, unfair criticism of your work
Being left out of meetings, emails or social events on purpose
Rumours or gossip about you
Impossible deadlines, or work rules that keep changing
Having tasks or responsibilities taken away without a reason
Someone else taking credit for your work
Being watched or checked on far more than others
If you are being bullied by a manager, it can feel even harder, because they may have power over your schedule, reviews or job.
Bullying vs a tough boss or a one-off conflict
Not every hard moment at work is bullying. A boss who gives clear, fair feedback, sets high standards or makes a decision you disagree with is not necessarily bullying you. A single argument with a coworker usually is not bullying either.
Some questions that may help you sort it out:
Is this happening again and again, or was it once?
Is it aimed at me, or does everyone get the same treatment?
Is the feedback about my work, or about me as a person?
Do I feel humiliated, scared or shut out, not just challenged?
Even if what is happening does not fit the word "bullying," it is still okay to feel hurt by it. Your feelings matter either way.
How workplace bullying affects mental health
Being bullied at work is stressful, and it often follows you home. People commonly notice:
Anxiety before work, or on Sunday nights
Trouble sleeping, or replaying conversations in bed
Low mood, tearfulness or irritability
Self-doubt, or second-guessing work you used to feel sure about
Headaches, stomach upset or feeling tense
Pulling back from friends or things you enjoy
Research backs this up. A 2015 meta-analysis that pooled many studies found that workplace bullying was consistently linked with poorer mental health, including symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress-related complaints, and that the link appeared over time as well (see Sources). The authors also found the link worked in both directions: people already struggling were more likely to report being bullied later. That is one more reason bullying is never the target's fault.
Why it can be hard to speak up
Many people stay quiet about bullying for a long time. That is understandable. You might:
Worry about losing your job or your reputation
Fear things will get worse if you say something
Doubt yourself, especially if the behaviour is subtle
Feel ashamed, even though you have done nothing wrong
Not want to be seen as "difficult"
What you do about bullying at work is your choice. There is no single right path, and you get to decide what feels safe and right for you.
What Ontario's workplace law says (information only)
In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) covers workplace harassment. The Government of Ontario's guide explains that workplace harassment can involve unwelcome words or actions that are known, or should be known, to be offensive, embarrassing, humiliating or demeaning to a worker, and that it can include behaviour that intimidates or isolates someone. The guide lists bullying as an example. It also says employers must prepare a workplace harassment policy and review it at least once a year. The same guide notes that reasonable actions by an employer or supervisor to manage and direct work are not workplace harassment (see Sources).
This is shared as general information only. It is not legal advice.
How to cope with bullying at work, day to day
You cannot control how someone else behaves. But you can find ways to protect your energy and think more clearly. Some ideas:
Ground yourself before hard moments. Before a meeting with the person, try a few slow breaths, feel your feet on the floor or name five things you can see. Our post on how to calm your nervous system has more simple techniques.
Keep a private, dated record. Write down what happened, when, who was there and how it affected you. Many people find this helps them see the pattern and think clearly, rather than replaying it in their head.
Use calm, short wording. Simple phrases like "Please don't speak to me that way" or "I'd like to talk about this when we're both calm" can help you hold a boundary without escalating.
Talk to people you trust. A friend, partner or family member can remind you of who you are outside of work.
Notice the inner critic. Bullying can make you start talking to yourself the same harsh way. Try to catch it and respond the way you would to a friend.
Looking after yourself outside work
Bullying can take over your evenings and weekends. Small things can help you recover:
Set a cut-off time for checking work messages, if your job allows it
Move your body in a way you enjoy, even a short walk
Protect your sleep where you can, with a wind-down routine
Spend time with people who make you feel like yourself
Practise self-compassion. Our post on self-compassion explains how it works and how to start
If you are thinking about suicide or hurting yourself, call or text 9-8-8 now. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
How counselling can help
Counselling gives you a private space to talk about what is happening at work without worrying about how it will be received. A therapist can help you:
Manage the anxiety, low mood and sleep problems that bullying can bring
Rebuild confidence that has been chipped away
Untangle self-blame from what actually happened
Think through your options and make decisions that fit your values
Practise calm, clear ways to respond
Our stress and burnout counselling is offered at our Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Ottawa offices and online across Ontario. Every clinician on our team is registered with their college. We cannot promise a particular outcome, but you do not have to sort this out alone.
Common questions about workplace bullying
What are some examples of workplace bullying? Being shouted at or mocked, constant unfair criticism, being left out on purpose, rumours, impossible deadlines and having your work taken away or claimed by someone else.
Is a tough boss the same as a bully? Not always. Fair, clear feedback and high standards are not bullying. A repeated pattern of humiliating, scaring or isolating someone is.
Can workplace bullying affect your mental health? Yes. Research has consistently linked workplace bullying with anxiety, depression symptoms and stress-related complaints.
What can I do if I'm being bullied by my manager? Look after your health, keep a private record so you can think clearly, lean on people you trust and consider counselling for support. What you decide to do at work is your choice.
Is workplace bullying illegal in Ontario? Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act covers workplace harassment, and the province's guide lists bullying as an example. This is general information, not legal advice.
Cost, billing and your first step
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers. Coverage depends on your plan, so check with your insurer before you start.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team. You deserve to feel safe and respected at work.
If you're in crisis: if you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911. If you're thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time, day or night.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. "Bullying in the workplace." https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/psychosocial/bullying.html
Government of Ontario. "Understand the law on workplace violence and harassment." https://www.ontario.ca/page/understand-law-workplace-violence-and-harassment
Verkuil B, Atasayi S, Molendijk ML. "Workplace bullying and mental health: a meta-analysis on cross-sectional and longitudinal data." PLoS One. 2015;10(8):e0135225. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26305785/