How a Midtown Block in Manhattan Became a War Zone for My Nervous System
For eight years, I worked at Court TV. I rose through the ranks from producer to Vice President of Original Programming. I created successful shows. I poured my heart and energy into that job. My 30s were devoted to my career and the success of the network. Weekly, I worked well after midnight editing my show. Then, I’d be back at the office at 10 am to start to work on the next show.
But I was bullied.
Criticized constantly. Threatened with dismissal. Scapegoated. Ignored and eventually discarded.
After I was let go, I avoided the neighborhood as if it were radioactive. My heart raced when I was anywhere near the building. I walked extra blocks to shield myself from anyone who might remind me of what I had lost.
I wasn’t avoiding a location. I was trying to avoid my shame.
I had failed. I was a failure. None of my accomplishments mattered.
That is what trauma from workplace bullying does. It rewrites your narrative in black and white. It tells you that you are nothing.
Years later, after extensive healing, I now coach others through the same emotional rubble. I hear their stories every day. Stories of loyalty, hard work, and excellence being met with cruelty, gaslighting, scapegoating, and emotional abandonment.
If you’re there now, or have been, here are 5 things I want you to know:
What happened to you was real, and it was wrong.
You don’t have to carry the shame. The blame is not yours.
The loss of a job does not erase your impact, contributions, or value.
Healing is not a linear process, but it is possible.
You are not alone. There is a path forward.
“What if the most courageous thing you can do is simply tell the truth of what hurt you and cope and heal anyway?”
I wrote Surviving Bully Culture for the person I was when I walked out of that building. It’s coming in early 2026, and it’s for anyone who ever felt erased by their workplace.
Join my private Facebook group and be part of a growing compassionate community:
Navigating Workplace Bullying.
Connect with me on Linkedin.
In pursuit of a more caring and productive workplace...
Andy Regal
#SurvivingBullyCulture #WorkplaceTrauma #MentalHealth #CoachingForHealing #BullyRecovery #LeadershipMatters #LoyaltyDeservesKindness #PTSDFromWork #AndyRegal #NavigatingWorkplaceBullying