Recognizing & Managing Workplace Stress and Burnout

It sounds incredibly difficult to be in a workplace where you are publicly humiliated, especially when it's dismissed as "honest feedback." It's completely understandable that this kind of stress is making you feel physically unwell every Sunday night. Your body is giving you a clear signal that something is deeply wrong, and you are not alone in experiencing such intense anxiety before work.

Constant criticism and public humiliation, no matter how it's framed, can severely erode your confidence and sense of self-worth. This kind of environment is not conducive to anyone's mental well-being, and it's important to recognise that the problem lies with the behaviour of your manager, not with you. You deserve to be treated with respect, and your feelings of sickness are a valid response to an unhealthy situation.

To start, try to create some mental distance from these incidents. Remind yourself that your manager's actions are about their own behaviour, not a true reflection of your abilities. You might also find it helpful to document these occurrences privately, noting the date, time, and what was said. This can help you process what happened and give you a clearer picture of the pattern. Zara is also here to listen if you need a safe space to talk through these feelings.

Ultimately, your well-being is paramount. While changing someone else's behaviour is often out of our control, you can focus on protecting your own peace. This might involve setting mental boundaries, seeking support from trusted friends or family, or quietly exploring other professional possibilities when you feel ready. Remember, you don't have to endure such treatment in silence.