What is psychological harassment? 22 warning signs

This kind of attack can be disguised by the absence of physical aggression.

Psychological harassment, unfortunately, is a phenomenon that can occur in couple relationships, but also among friends, family members or at work or school. The psychological harasser acts according to his or her interests, and usually blames, makes the victim feel uncomfortable and provokes fear.

Suffering psychological harassment is one of the worst experiences a human being can have. and many studies show that psychological harassment has very negative effects on individuals: deterioration of physical and psychological health, anxiety, sleep problems, lack of concentration... In this article we will talk about what is psychological harassment and what are the warning signs that characterize it.

What is psychological harassment?

Although we associate bullying with physical harm, there is a very common and less visible form of bullying: psychological, moral or emotional harassment. The dictionary of the Spanish language defines this phenomenon as "a humiliating and disqualifying treatment of an individual, with the aim of psychically destabilizing him or her". In other words, the aim of the psychological harasser is to damage the dignity and moral integrity of the victim.

However, what characterizes psychological harassment is that it is not a one-time actionThe acts of harassment are repeated over time and progressively, causing the victim great helplessness, uncertainty and a loss of self-esteem and self-confidence. In extreme cases, continued psychological harassment can lead to suicide.

Its consequences

Psychological harassment can end up causing serious mental problems for the victim, because despite being silent, it is devastating for the person who suffers it. Low self-esteem is a key factor in this type of phenomenon, because in addition to becoming a consequence, it can also be a key factor in this type of bullying.The low self-esteem is a key factor in this type of phenomenon, because in addition to becoming a consequence, it can also be a cause that causes the victim to end up in a situation of learned helplessness.

The victim of psychological harassment may suffer from different problems such as stress, anxiety, depression and even addiction to psychoactive substances, and in many cases is not fully aware that he or she is being humiliated.

Signs of bullying

One of the most frequent scenarios of this type of violence or abuse is in intimate relationships (such as with a partner) but it can occur in other situations, for example, at school (bullying) or at work (mobbing). Although the figure of the bully is usually associated with males, studies show that if all forms of this harmful behavior are taken into account, both men and women bully each other at equal rates. Psychological harassment includes verbal offenses, threats, intimidation and constant criticism, as well as more as well as more subtle tactics such as intimidation, shaming and manipulation.

But what are the signs of bullying and what are its characteristics? If you are going through this situation, below you can find a list of signs that could indicate that you are suffering this type of mistreatment:

Only focuses on the negative and humiliates you 2.

Especially in the case of a partner, the stalker focuses on the negative things and undervalues the positive ones. He only points out flaws and belittles you.

1. Publicly humiliates you

Psychological harassment includes public humiliation and ridicule, although the harasser is sometimes unaware of the harm done. the bully is sometimes not even aware of the harm he/she is doing, as it is a joke.because he/she does it as a joke. However, although there is not always an intention, it does produce serious consequences for the victim.

3. Humiliates you through the network

A more or less recent form of psychological harassment is what is known as cyberbullying. known as cyberbullyingIt arises with the irruption of the new technologies, and it is not more than the psychological harassment through the network.

4. It causes you discomfort

Being close to that person causes you discomfort or anxiety, even to the point of avoiding it. This behavior is an attempt to avoid unpleasant situations.

5. They accuse you for no reason

Often their words are unfounded, and the bully may accuse you of things for which you are not accuse you of things you are not guilty of.. For example, for the behavior of misbehaving children, blaming you.

6. Threatens to hurt you

Although physical violence does not necessarily have to occur in this type of harassment, it is common for the harasser to threaten to hurt the person and loved ones, e.g., pet, family, child....

7. Your self-esteem suffers

Self-esteem is the first thing that suffers.The stalker, in some cases, aims to damage your dignity and your person in a conscious way. In the couple, it can make you feel like you are worthless.

8. Confusing behavior

In close relationships, these people do not always appear to be like this (i.e., cruel and inconsiderate) because sometimes they can even be affectionate. These behaviors can confuse you.

9. Damage to property

Physical harm is not done to the person, but to other entities.. For example, the cell phone, by throwing it and breaking it against the wall.

10. Your opinion does not count

Especially in the case of harassment at work, your opinion has no say and you are has no say and you are looked down upon.. In addition, the bully or bullies do not let you express yourself.

11. You are treated differently

In cases such as bullying you are isolated from the group and made to feel different in front of others. in front of others.

12. Turns everyone against you

When the way you act is aimed at damaging your dignity, you also try to make others disrespect you. For example, by talking badly about you..

13. Use mockery and sarcasm

The bully may use sarcasm or teasing to demoralize you or make you feel bad about yourself. make you feel bad about yourself.

14. You've felt this way for a long time

Bullying is not something that happens overnight, it happens over time.It happens gradually and over a long period of time. This is why it is so harmful, as the discomfort becomes chronic.

15. Blackmails you

Especially in the case of the partner, the psychological harasser uses threatening phrases such as the following: "if you do that, don't blame me if I leave you". This way he makes you feel bad. This is a common form of emotional blackmail..

Signs of harassment at work

A very common form of harassment, and one that can have distinct and peculiar characteristics, is mobbing or harassment at work, which can come from co-workers or from the company.. These are some of the signs that can appear when this situation manifests itself:

16. They send you impossible tasks

At work, in order to destabilize you and make you feel unqualified, they may assign you goals or projects with unattainable or exhausting deadlines.

17. High demands

But not only can deadlines be a problem, but you may be sent tasks that don't fit your tasks that don't match your capabilities or that require a great deal of effort and work to make you feel incompetent.

18. Job Discrimination

You suffer discrimination at work compared to the rest of your colleagues. For example, a woman may be made to feel bad because she is pregnant.

19. Responsibility is taken away from you

Responsibility is taken away from you so that you feel unhelpful and bored, which can lead to boreout.which can lead to boreout.

20. They belittle your achievements

From the company they do not value the good work, and this way, you do not feel at ease in your professional space. You are constantly undervalued.

21. Rumors are used

Rumors or untruths are spread throughout the company to discredit you and damage your reputation and image. damage your reputation and image of professionalism. professional image.

22. Your professional development is blocked

If the goal is for you to leave the company voluntarily, they may block your professional development or career so that you do not feel fulfilled and leave the company.

• You can learn more about harassment at work in our article: "Mobbing: psychological harassment at work".