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Stressed by toxic people at job
Ive recently joined at a city hospital as a newly graduated fresher dr. And then also just from the day 2 of the job itself the staff especially few nurses and two such doctors who assist the main one started torchering me deliberately despite my best efforts to adjust new environment and learn new skills too. They dont even have courtesy or respect towards the patients either. It has been upsetting me and stressing me out since 4 days now from the beginning itself. And im not complaining anyone for the sake of decorum and to not give others stress at home about it too. But its really getting serious a bit bcz such people are wantedly interfering me and despite my 3 chances to them when they crossed limits so I indirectly spoke them back too first time in life out of frustration and a bit of anger too towards their wrongness. And those drs are really egoistic and make fun of me without reason too :( its really so overwhelming and negative.But for learning skills mainly I didnt leave.
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What you’re experiencing is not weakness—it’s the pressure of adjusting to a tough environment while still learning new skills.
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If this behaviour continues or starts affecting your sleep, confidence, or performance, it’s important to handle it strategically rather than emotionally. Toxic early experiences can shape long-term career confidence if left unmanaged.
You can connect for a brief Clarity Session with me to learn practical ways to handle toxic workplace behaviour, build assertive communication, and protect your mental balance while continuing to learn skills.
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Hi
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hi
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hi
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Consultation with me is advised
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You need an expert counseling psychologist to overcome the issue.
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I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years of experience. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance.
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Connect with psychotherapist
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Getting in touch with a professional psychotherapist who can help you structure your lifestyle around setting boundaries , recognizing your own needs , creating effective or life balance and strategic communications while at the same time addressing your underlying issues will be effective in creating a sustained transformation.
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Connect with a counselling psychologist and a psychotherapist to delayer the issues and address the blocks preventing your self growth
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It is completely normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed when facing workplace hostility, especially as a new graduate in a high-pressure environment like a hospital. Being treated with a lack of respect while trying to learn is deeply discouraging, and your frustration is a natural response to an unfair situation. Counseling can help by providing a private space to process this negativity and develop strong coping strategies to protect your mental well-being. A counselor can guide you in setting firm professional boundaries, managing the anger that arises from these interactions, and building the emotional strength needed to stay focused on your career goals despite a difficult atmosphere.
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try counseling
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consult
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Hi, You’ve just entered a high-pressure environment, you’re still finding your footing, and instead of being supported, you’re facing hostility and disrespect. Anyone in your place would feel overwhelmed, hurt, and even shaken.
In just a few days:
You’ve been targeted repeatedly
You’re trying to learn and prove yourself at the same time
You’re holding it in (not telling family, not complaining)
And then you reached a point where you reacted out of frustration
1. Shift your goal: from “being liked” → to “being steady”
Right now, trying to win their approval will drain you.
Instead:
Be calm, brief, and professional
Don’t over-explain yourself
Don’t engage in unnecessary conversations
Think:
“I’m here to learn, not to fit into their behavior”
2. Use low-emotion assertiveness
Not confrontation, not silence something in between.
Examples:
“Please speak respectfully, I’m still learning.”
“I’d appreciate guidance instead of criticism.”
“If there’s a mistake, you can tell me directly.”
Say it calmly, once. No arguments after that.
3. Don’t internalize their behavior
When people repeatedly:
Mock
Dismiss
Undermine
Your mind starts thinking:
“Maybe I’m actually incompetent”
Pause that.
You are:
A fresher (learning phase is expected)
In a new system (adjustment takes time)
Already making effort
Their behavior = their character, not your competence.
4. Protect your emotional space
Right now, you’re absorbing everything silently. That’s why it’s building up.
You need release, even if private:
Write down what happened each day
Talk to one safe person (doesn’t have to be family if you don’t want to stress them)
Even 10 minutes of decompression after duty
Otherwise this will turn into burnout very quickly.
5. Observe before escalating
You’ve only been there 4 days.
Give it a little time while:
Watching patterns
Identifying who is neutral/safe
Understanding hierarchy dynamics
If it continues or worsens:
Then escalation (senior doctor / HR) becomes justified, not “complaining”
6. About staying vs leaving
Your reason for staying -learning - is valid.
But ask yourself this honestly:
“Am I learning despite the environment?”
“Or is the environment blocking my learning?”
If it becomes the second:
Staying is no longer growth - it becomes harm.
What you’re feeling right now
That mix of:
Anger
Hurt
Shock (“why are they like this?”)
Self-doubt…is completely natural.
Especially because:
This is your first exposure to workplace hierarchy in medicine It can feel like a betrayal of what you expected the profession to be.
Health Tips
You didn’t come this far to be reduced by someone else’s behavior. Right now, you’re in the initiation phase and unfortunately, sometimes it comes with friction.
But:, You can come out of this more confident, more assertive, and emotionally stronger — not broken.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
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I can see how overwhelming this situation must feel, especially as a fresher trying to adjust and learn in a new environment. What you’re experiencing is not okay, and your feelings of stress and frustration are completely valid.
Right now, try to focus on protecting your mental space—keep your interactions strictly professional and avoid engaging in unnecessary conflicts. At the same time, it’s important to start documenting such incidents (dates, behavior, witnesses if any), as this can help if you decide to raise the issue formally later.
If the behavior continues, consider reaching out to a senior, HR, or a trusted authority in the hospital. You deserve a respectful and safe workplace.
Also, take care of yourself outside work—talk to someone you trust, and engage in small activities that help you relax and recharge.
You are still learning and growing—don’t let others’ behavior make you doubt your capability.
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In workplace, it is very common that you will be treated like that. Very sad but true. Because they want you to oil them, be their right hand and seek attention.
But you are a qualified doctor, got the job because you deserve. Be the one who doesn't hit but carry a sword.
If required, make official complaint.
I am not telling you to misbehave with anyone but make sure if anybody does that to you, get an answer.
Next Steps
Try breathing exercise at least twice a day because you have hectic schedules. Try to eat properly and get enough rest.
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Hi,
I understand how overwhelming and disheartening this must feel, starting your first job with hope, and instead facing disrespect and negativity. Anyone in your place would feel stressed and shaken. This is not a reflection of your ability but of the environment you’ve stepped into.
You are trying to handle things with maturity by staying quiet and giving people chances, which shows emotional strength. At the same time, it’s important not to suppress everything, what you felt and how you responded when pushed was valid. You deserve to be spoken to with basic respect.
Try to stay grounded in your purpose of learning, while keeping clear internal boundaries. Keep interactions professional, avoid engaging in their negativity, and remind yourself that this phase is temporary. If it begins to affect your confidence or sense of safety, it’s okay to seek support or reconsider the environment, because your well-being matters.
Health Tips
Stay calm and emotionally neutral around them, using brief, respectful boundary statements and avoiding unnecessary explanations or reactions. Take short mental pauses during shifts, focus on what you’re learning each day, and remind yourself that being new means growing—not being perfect. Keep a simple record of incidents and stay connected to at least one supportive person so you’re not carrying this alone.
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Hi, Consult a psychologist
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Mr. Sandeep Kumar
Psychologist
15 yrs exp
Chandigarh
Dear concerned,
I’m so sorry you're going through this, but please remember that your mental well-being is just as important as your medical training, and you deserve a professional environment where respect is the baseline, not a luxury.
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Ms. Pooja Gupta
Psychologist
9 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi,
I'm sorry you're experiencing this difficult situation. Itâs important to remember that no one deserves to be treated disrespectfully or harassed, especially in a professional environment. Consider documenting these incidents and speaking to a senior or supervisor about the harassment and misconduct you're facing. If there's a hospital ethics committee or a human resources department, report the behavior to them for appropriate action. Your dedication to learning and working despite these challenges shows your strength, but your well-being and dignity are equally important. Seek support from trusted colleagues, mentors, or counseling services if needed, and prioritize your mental health during this tough time.
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Consult
Health Tips
seek help
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Rajvi Shirin
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your emotions on this platform.
While this is common at workplaces it is not ethical. The frustration and stress you are currently experiencing can be navigated with ease with a few exercises and mindfulness techniques. While this seems overwhelming you can overcome with a few sessions.
Next Steps
At Calm Harbor we work together with clients to find their calm amidst chaos.
Reach out for your care.
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Ms. Pooja Bhargava
Psychologist
10 yrs exp
Delhi
You are adjusting while facing unhealthy behaviour which is understandably stressful. Protect your calm, keep interactions professional and seek psychological support if patterns continue.
Next Steps
Consult a psychologist
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Dr. Kavita Bhutani (PhD)
Psychologist
20 yrs exp
Gurgaon
Also could be a problem where u take everything personally
Due to some issues from childhood or other experiences
Also some boundaries need to be developed
Also some more black and white practicing and written communication needs to be improved
Maybe you can consult for more work coaching
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Ms. Sheetal Kusumbe
Counselling Psychologist
21 yrs exp
Thane
Thank you for sharing your concern here.
Your stress over your work environment is understandable.
Especially, when you enter the world with new aspirations and are jolted by the unprofessional behaviour of a few coworkers.
The better part is that your priority towards learning is strong and certain.
This clarity and counseling sessions can help you equip yourself to navigate through your professional life in a more balanced manner.
This can be an opportunity for you to learn to operate within any given parameters.The focus has to be on self transformation and productivity.
You can consult for further professional guidance.
I wish you success in achieving your goals.
Happy Healthy Living!
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Ms. Smriti
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
Connect with psychologist
Next Steps
connect
Health Tips
counseling
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