"Teladoc Health Helped Me Overcome the Impact of Workplace Bullying"

Naya kindly shares her story of using Teladoc Health UK’s Mental Health Service.

Background and Initial Struggles

“Unfortunately, at a previous employer, I faced workplace bullying from my manager, the head of HR! This made it incredibly challenging for me to address the situation. I attempted to raise my concerns, but it was handled poorly, leading me to resign before securing another job.

The experience severely impacted my self-confidence, making me question my worth. When someone treats you poorly, it can lead you to believe you are the problem. Deep down, I knew I wasn’t, but it affected my day-to-day life.

Realising the Need for Help

I realised I needed more than just the usual coping mechanisms, like venting to close friends and family. I felt I required something deeper to help me process what I was going through. This was particularly tough for me because my family and close friends often believe in discussing issues and moving forward without seeking additional help.

I struggled internally with the decision to reach out for formal assistance. Ultimately, I recognised I had nothing to lose; if it didn’t help, that was fine, but if I didn’t reach out, I would always wonder what might have been. I didn’t want my feelings to carry over into future jobs or relationships. After talking to others who had similar experiences but regretted not seeking help, I realised I needed to set aside my pride. So, I logged onto the Teladoc Health platform, filled out a form, and received a prompt response. The entire process was seamless.

Building a Strong Connection with Sophia

During that first consultation, I knew I wanted to continue working with Sophia. From the very beginning, I felt comfortable sharing my thoughts and emotions. I knew from talking to others that it can sometimes take time to find the right person to share your feelings with, so I felt fortunate to have a good connection right away. For me, the ability to discuss everything with a completely unbiased party was invaluable. While my close friends are supportive and would call me out if necessary, having that external validation was crucial. Talking through all the emotions I experienced surrounding the situation helped immensely.

An Important Exercise: Writing a Letter of Resentment

Sophia suggested writing a letter of resentment addressed to my previous manager. Although reading it was challenging, it allowed me to express and process all the feelings swirling in my head. Articulating my emotions helped me acknowledge that none of this was my fault—I didn’t choose to experience it or do anything wrong. Unfortunately, some people are just like that, and I needed to process it and move forward without lasting negative effects.

Moving Forward in a Positive Environment

I feel much better in my new workplace. Initially, I was nervous about encountering similar issues, but I realised it wasn’t the workplace itself that was problematic; it was that individual. The chances of meeting someone like that again are slim. Now, I’m in a positive environment surrounded by wonderful people.

If I hadn’t had access to Teladoc Health, I would likely have sought help from the NHS, but I know the wait would have been long. I might have opted for private help, as I felt I truly needed it. Fortunately, I had the employee policy in place.

Reflecting on Mental Health and the Importance of Seeking Help

Regarding mental health, I believe the struggles people face today are different from those of a decade ago. Seeing more open discussions is encouraging, but the stigma still lingers. No one should feel too proud or hesitant to seek help; the benefits are significant. If you’re contemplating reaching out, it’s likely for a reason. Most people don’t regret seeking help; they often wish they had done it sooner. For me, the timing was right after I had resigned, knowing I was leaving that environment. Perhaps I could have sought help while still there, but I’m grateful for my progress.

My key message is to not let pride hold you back. There are no negatives to seeking help, and people respect those who do. Sharing your experiences encourages more open conversations, leading to deeper connections among everyone involved.”

Please note: This patient wishes to remain anonymous, so we have used a stock photo and a different name to represent her. 

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